At the 14th Congress of the International Association of Labour Inspectors (IALI) in Geneva, EU-OSHA’s director gave a keynote speech on the challenges and opportunities facing labour inspection. The congress considered the challenges and opportunities for labour inspection, the need for professionalism and integrity, and the value of partnerships.

One key issue is the increasingly diverse workforce and its impact on occupational safety and health - especially that of women workers. Women are more likely to work in part-time roles and in retail and service industries, education and healthcare. These working environments result in specific OSH challenges.  Research reveals that current OSH can be better targeted and improved overall for women.