Promoting Decent Work through Strengthening OSH Management

The project made significant progress in 2023 towards enhancing labour inspection practices and fostering safer working environments in Kosovo. Key achievements include the formulation of a strategic plan and new management structure for the Labour Inspectorate, training of new labour inspectors, initiation of electronic inspections, and an awareness campaign on work accident prevention. These efforts aim to improve compliance with labour regulations, promote equitable working conditions, and reduce societal and economic costs associated with workplace accidents. The involvement of the ILO and UN Women, supported by Sweden's funding, further advances occupational safety and health (OSH) standards and gender-inclusive policies. These collaborative efforts lay a foundation for sustainable progress, emphasizing the importance of strategic initiatives in creating safer and more compliant workplaces. Some of the most notable outcomes of the "Promotion of decent work through the strengthening of OSH management" project in Kosovo include the development of a strategy plan, the establishment of a new management structure, the training of labor inspectors, the initiation of electronic inspections, and the start of an awareness campaign aimed at preventing workplace accidents. These initiatives demonstrate a multifaceted approach to improving labor inspection capabilities and increasing workplace safety awareness. The development of a strategic plan and implementation of a new management structure by the Labour Inspectorate reflect a commitment to organizational improvement and effectiveness. These initiatives aim to streamline administrative processes, enhance communication, and facilitate better coordination with stakeholders. Furthermore, the recruitment and training of new labor inspectors signify an investment in human capital and capacity building. By enhancing the proficiency of the workforce, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction, the Labour Inspectorate aims to improve regulatory compliance and ensure safer working conditions. Whereas the introduction of electronic inspections and an awareness campaign on work accident prevention highlight efforts to modernize inspection methods and educate both employers and workers about occupational hazards. These initiatives aim to improve operational efficiency, data analysis, and overall inspection effectiveness while promoting safety and reducing workplace accidents. In 2023, the Labour Inspectorate in Kosovo made significant strides in enhancing the capabilities of its workforce and modernizing its operations. Several training modules and initiatives were conducted to address critical areas of concern and improve effectiveness in labor inspection. Among them, noteworthy the initial module, focused on labor inspection at construction sites, was developed and delivered by the ILO LABADMIN/OSH unit in headquarters. Tailored specifically to tackle the high incidence of occupational incidents and fatalities within the construction sector. Fourteen labor inspectors from various regions of Kosovo participated in this training. Certification of completion was issued by the Kosovar Institute for Public Administration (KIPA). To note, also the module concentrated on gender equality where twenty-four labor inspectors from Kosovo's regions enhanced their understanding of gender differences in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and sexual harassment in workplaces. Supported by UN Women and organized by the Kosovo Institute for Public Administration (KIPA). Also worth mentioning is the training for newly recruited inspectors who underwent comprehensive training by the ILO to equip them for their roles. Trainings covered various subjects including laws and regulations, inspection methodologies, and communication skills. Furthermore, the initial phase of developing the ECMS for the Labour Inspectorate was successfully completed. This involved aligning procedural workflows and creating the wireframe and Software Requirement Specification (SRS). The second phase, currently underway, involves piloting the ECMS in 2024, with resources pooled from the ILO's regional project on economic and social affairs (ESAP II). The involvement of international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Women, supported by Sweden's funding, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing OSH standards and gender-inclusive policies. These partnerships contribute to institutional strengthening, policy advocacy, and capacity building, furthering the goal of creating safer and more equitable workplaces. These collective efforts have the potential to lead to better compliance among employers, improved working conditions, higher job satisfaction, and increased productivity. Additionally, they may contribute to reduced healthcare costs, minimized economic losses from workplace accidents, and a more inclusive and sustainable economy in Kosovo. At the same time, involving local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the process is deemed highly important. The report highlights the emergence of a dedicated and engaged CSO network within the project, underscoring its broader impact and unexpected benefits. Furthermore, the commendable engagement of both the ILO and the Inspectorate of Labour in addressing and resolving issues is noted. Notably, they successfully published the inaugural report on workplace injuries in the construction sector and organized the first-ever regional labor conferences in Prishtina on Decent Work, in collaboration with the ILO and the Ministry of Finance, Transfer, and Labor. These highlights demonstrate the Inspectorate's commitment to advancing safety, efficiency, and professionalism in labor inspection practices.

The project goal is to promote occupational safety and health (OSH) and a well-functioning Labour Inspectorate, LI. Whereas the objectives of the intervention are: - Align Kosovo OSH legislation with EU Directives and ILO conventions - Establish Labour Inspectorate Information System, LIIS Enhance OSH management by strengthening knowledge management and capacity building. - To promote occupational safety and health (OSH) and a well-functioning labour inspectorate. - To integrate gender issues into its analyses, formulation and monitoring of policies, programmes, and preventive measures to reduce inequalities between men and women in occupational safety and health (OSH). This contribution is in line with the with the new Strategy for Sweden's reform cooperation for the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021-2027, and its result 1: Human Rights, Democracy, the Rule of Law and Gender Equality and result 4: Inclusive Economic Development, improved opportunities for productive employment with decent working conditions. The contribution is in line with the SDG 8.8 - Promoting labour rights and safe working environments. Outcome 3: By 2025, women and men in Kosovo, particularly youth and vulnerable groups, have increased access to decent work and benefit from sustainable and inclusive economic development that is more resilient to impacts of climate.