On 14th November INRS organised an international conference on foresight in Paris. More than 140 participants from 20 nationalities discussed approaches and outcomes of foresight exercises and the urgency to continue doing this and feed the results into policies.
Several PEROSH institutes and its researchers were also present.
The main conclusions from the round tables and discussions during the Foresight for OSH program were insightful and highlighted several key points:
Use of Foresight to Build Research Strategies:
a. The participants emphasized the importance of integrating foresight into research strategies to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in occupational safety and health (OSH).
b. They discussed various foresight approaches and how these can be used to identify emerging risks and develop proactive measures.
c. Collaboration between different organizations and countries was seen as crucial for sharing knowledge and best practices.
1 – Benefits for Social Partners, Governments, and Authorities:
a. The discussions highlighted how foresight can help social partners, governments, and authorities improve the OSH framework.
b. Participants shared examples of how foresight has been used to inform policy-making and enhance regulatory frameworks.
c. The importance of involving a wide range of stakeholders in foresight activities to ensure comprehensive and inclusive outcomes was emphasized.
2- Circular Economy and OSH:
a. The impact of the circular economy on OSH was a significant topic of discussion.
b. Participants explored how the transition to a circular economy could introduce new risks and opportunities for OSH.
c. They stressed the need for foresight to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with new business models and practices.
3- Different Foresight Approaches:
a. Various foresight approaches were presented and compared, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
b. The discussions underscored the importance of adapting foresight methods to the specific context and needs of different organizations.
c. Participants agreed on the value of combining multiple foresight techniques to gain a more comprehensive understanding of future OSH issues.
4- Practices of Foresight in OSH Organizations:
a. The joint communication session provided insights into how different OSH organizations are implementing foresight practices.
b. Participants shared their experiences and lessons learned, focusing on the practical aspects of conducting foresight activities.
c. The discussions highlighted the need for continuous improvement and innovation in foresight practices to keep pace with changing work environments
These conclusions reflect the collaborative and forward-thinking nature of the discussions, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of foresight in improving occupational safety and health.
Contact:
Marc Malenfer, marc.malenfer@inrs.fr
Jennifer Clerte, jennifer.clerte@inrs.fr
