Occupational hazards – January 2026

Sustainability is everywhere – on corporate websites, in annual reports, and in glossy ESG brochures. But when you strip away the slogans, how much of it is real? IOSH’s latest white paper, Sustainability stalled: why businesses are struggling to turn good intentions into real impact, reveals an uncomfortable truth: when it comes to social sustainability – the part that protects people – progress is faltering. And unless we act now, millions of workers will remain at risk.

Our research shows encouraging signs but also paints a worrying picture. Eighty-seven per cent of senior leaders say they have visibility into how suppliers treat workers. That sounds promising. But only 54 per cent believe those suppliers genuinely prioritise safety, health and wellbeing. Even more concerning, a third of businesses only monitor tier one and two suppliers. 

This isn’t just a compliance gap; it’s a human gap. Sustainability cannot be real if it ignores the people who make global trade possible. Every time a company boasts about its green credentials while neglecting worker health and safety, it undermines the very principles sustainability is meant to uphold.

Why health and safety is the missing link

Social sustainability is not a “nice-to-have.” It is the foundation of decent work and resilient businesses. Occupational safety and health (OSH) sits at the heart of this. Without strong OSH practices, sustainability strategies collapse under their own weight.

When considering the prevention and mitigation of OSH risks, let’s not forget emerging risks. Climate change is already reshaping workplace hazards – extreme heat, poor air quality, disease outbreaks. Yet few organisations have integrated these threats into their sustainability plans, meaning climate related risk mitigation and adaptations are not happening. That’s not just short-sighted; it risks serious harm. If we fail to protect workers from climate-related risks, we fail at sustainability altogether. 

So, what needs to change? IOSH’s recommendations are clear:

• Governments must embed OSH into climate and development strategies, mandate human rights due diligence, and align with global standards like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Businesses need to integrate OSH into procurement policies, conduct SDG impact assessments, and develop climate-related worker protection strategies.
• Investors should demand transparency and reward companies that prioritise people over profit.

But here’s the truth: none of this happens without health and safety professionals taking a leading role. We are uniquely positioned to work collaboratively within and across different disciplines within businesses and to bridge the gap between ESG ambition and operational reality. That means pushing for sustainable procurement standards, mapping and checking health and safety within supply chain audits, advising on climate risk, and embedding OSH reporting within sustainability reporting – meaning it isn’t just a tick-box exercise.

The opportunity behind the pressure

Yes, the pressure is mounting – regulatory changes, stakeholder scrutiny, shifting work models. But pressure creates opportunity. Forward thinking organisations that act decisively can protect workers, strengthen resilience, and enhance reputation. Those that don’t? They risk being left behind.

The research is clear; businesses must move from good intentions to meaningful interventions. That’s not just a call to action; it’s a challenge. And it’s one we must all accept.

Ultimately, sustainability is about people. It’s about ensuring that every worker, in every link of the supply chain, is treated with dignity and kept safe and healthy. It’s about recognising that climate change, economic uncertainty, and globalisation are not abstract concepts, they affect real lives. If we fail to act, the cost will be measured not just in reputational damage but in human suffering. That is a price no responsible organisation should be willing to pay.

Bottom line: Sustainability without safety is a hollow promise. If we want a future that works for everyone, OSH must be at the heart of the conversation – not on the margins.

Ruth Wilkinson is head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. For more information, visit www.iosh.com