WHO and Occupational Health: Definition, Objectives, and Global Framework

The WHO defines occupational health as the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers. Discover its 3 main objectives and the international framework co-developed with the ILO.

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines occupational health as a field of public health that aims to promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations.

This definition aligns with the comprehensive concept of health adopted by the WHO since its inception in 1948: "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

The 3 Objectives of Occupational Health (according to the WHO)

The WHO outlines three primary objectives for occupational health:

1. Maintenance and promotion of workers' health and working capacity
2. Improvement of working conditions to make work safe and healthy
3. Development of a healthy corporate culture and organization, which promotes safety and health

These objectives extend beyond the mere prevention of accidents—they encompass a holistic vision that includes mental health, ergonomics, and organizational culture.

The ILO / WHO International Framework

The WHO works in close collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on occupational health and safety issues. The ILO has adopted approximately 40 Conventions and Recommendations specifically dedicated to these matters.

Two ILO Conventions are particularly important:

• Convention 155 (1981) on Occupational Safety and Health — recognized as a fundamental ILO Convention since 2022, placing occupational safety and health as a universal right
• Convention 187 (2006) on the promotional framework for occupational safety and health — also recognized as a fundamental Convention since 2022

These Conventions establish the obligations of member states regarding national OSH policies. According to the ILO's Global Ratification Campaign for C155/C187, ratifying these Conventions does not require immediate compliance but signifies a commitment to progressively align the national framework with these standards.

The Role of Employers

According to the ILO, employers must:

1. Comply with national OSH laws and regulations
2. Build a safety culture within the organization
3. Implement an OSH management system aligned with business operations
4. Involve workers in OSH management
5. Provide training, information, and instruction to workers

The Role of Workers

Workers and their representatives must:

• Take care of their own safety and that of their colleagues
• Follow safety instructions given
• Correctly use the PPE provided
• Report dangerous conditions and accidents

Convergence with ISO 45001

The WHO/ILO vision is convergent with ISO 45001:2018, which emphasizes:

• Consultation and participation of workers
• Leadership of top management
• Continuous improvement via the PDCA cycle
• Prevention culture

For an organization, adopting ISO 45001 allows for the practical implementation of WHO/ILO principles.

Application in Morocco

In Morocco, occupational health is governed by:

• The Labour Code (Law No. 65-99), promulgated by Dahir No. 1-03-194 of 14 Rejab 1424 (September 11, 2003), in particular its Title IV — "Of the hygiene and safety of employees" (Articles 281 to 344)
• ILO Conventions: Morocco has ratified several fundamental ILO Conventions (notably on child labour, forced labour, non-discrimination, freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and — since 2022 — occupational safety and health). However, as of October 24, 2026, Morocco has not ratified ILO Convention 155 (Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981) according to the ILO's NORMLEX database. Morocco is listed among the countries that have not ratified this Convention.
• The Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health, which share jurisdiction
• The CNSS (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale), which manages occupational diseases

Morocco has made significant progress, but challenges persist:

• Low medical coverage for work in the informal sector
• Under-reporting of occupational diseases
• Lack of occupational health physicians in small and medium-sized enterprises

Conclusion

Occupational health, as defined by the WHO, goes far beyond the simple prevention of accidents. It is a holistic vision that integrates physical, mental, and social health, and the overall well-being of workers. Combined with the normative framework of the ILO and the ISO 45001 standard, it offers a comprehensive framework for HSE organizations in Morocco and elsewhere.

Sources et références officielles

5. Code du travail marocain (Loi n° 65-99), Titre IV — articles 281 et suivants ILO NATLEX : https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/r/natlex/fe/details?p3_isn=67319

6. OIT — Global Ratification Campaign on C155 and C187 (campagne mondiale pour la ratification des Conventions 155 et 187, reconnues fondamentales depuis 2022) https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/safety-and-health-work/global-ratification-campaign-c155-and-c187

7. OIT — NORMLEX — Conventions non ratifiées par le Maroc (vérification du statut de ratification par pays, consulté le 24/10/2026) https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:11210:0::NO:11210:P11210_COUNTRY_ID:102993