IRIOSH: A Global Institute for OSH Excellence

About IRIOSH

The International Research Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IRIOSH) is a federally incorporated, provincially registered, independent non-profit research initiative based in Canada. IRIOSH is not a traditional degrees or diplomas granting institution. Fully independent and unaffiliated with the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization (ILO), or any government body, IRIOSH advances a research‑driven mission: to generate, synthesize, and translate evidence that strengthens workplace safety, health, and well‑being across global contexts. Operating through a distributed and collaborative model, IRIOSH engages researchers, professionals, and collaborators from across the globe. Its work is carried out through remote collaboration, field-based research activities, and cross-border partnerships—rather than through a centralized campus or traditional institutional structure. Thus, with a global perspective, IRIOSH bridges research, policy, and practice to address critical occupational safety and health challenges across industries and regions. Its work supports evidence-based decision-making, strengthens worker protections, and contributes to sustainable development worldwide. 

Additionally,  IRIOSH is a supporter of the Vision Zero initiative, a global prevention strategy led by the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Saskatchewan Safety Council, Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA-Canada), and also a member of  the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) since 2026.

How IRIOSH Works

IRIOSH functions as a globally connected research initiative, not a campus-based institution.

• 🌐 Distributed Model — Researchers and collaborators contribute from different regions worldwide. 
• 🤝 Collaborative Network — Partnerships with academics, professionals, and institutions. 
• 🧪 Research-Driven — Focused on studies, analysis, and knowledge generation. 
• 📊 Field-Informed — Incorporating surveys, interviews, and real-world insights.

This model allows IRIOSH to remain agile, inclusive, and globally relevant.

Our Purpose

IRIOSH is guided by a fundamental principle:
every worker, in every region, deserves safe, healthy, and dignified employment.

Through independent research and global collaboration, IRIOSH advances knowledge that protects people, strengthens communities, and improves workplace outcomes across diverse industries and regions.

Our work aligns with internationally recognized development priorities, particularly:

• SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-Being 
• SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth 

While aligned with these global goals, IRIOSH remains independent and not affiliated with the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Government of Canada, or any governmental entity.

What Do We Do

IRIOSH focuses on research, knowledge creation, and impact — not program delivery.

• 📘 Conduct independent and collaborative research. 
• 📑 Publish reports, studies, and academic contributions. 
• 🧠 Translate knowledge into practical insights. 
• 🌍 Support global dialogue on workplace safety and health.

Our Approach

IRIOSH collaborates with a wide range of partners—including academic institutions, governments, non-governmental organizations, industry, and independent researchers—to advance occupational safety and health globally.

We are committed to:

• Scientific integrity and research excellence. 
• Independent and objective inquiry.
• Inclusive and global collaboration.
• Practical impact through knowledge translation.

Governance & Structure

IRIOSH focuses on research, knowledge creation, and impact by

• 📘 Conducting independent and collaborative research. 
• 📑 Developing, Endorsing, Publishing reports, studies, and academic contributions. 
• 🧠 Translating knowledge into practical insights.
• 🌍 Supporting global dialogue on workplace safety and health.

Our Identity

The IRIOSH logo reflects our mission, values, and global orientation:

• The Shield symbolizes protection, integrity, and research excellence—representing our commitment to safeguarding workers and upholding rigorous scientific standards. 
• The Three Human Figures (green, blue, and orange) represent unity, diversity, and collaboration within the global OSH community. Their upward form reflects growth, resilience, and shared progress. 
• The Globe signifies our international reach and cross-border partnerships, emphasizing that our work extends beyond geographic boundaries. 
• The Laurel Wreath represents academic achievement and institutional excellence, reflecting our commitment to high-quality research and global standards. 
• The Typography reinforces clarity, professionalism, and global recognition, anchoring the institute’s identity with authority and credibility.

 Why IRIOSH Matters

In an increasingly complex and interconnected global workforce, occupational safety and health challenges extend beyond borders, industries, and regulatory systems. Addressing these challenges requires independent, evidence-driven insights that can inform both policy and practice.

IRIOSH contributes by:

• Advancing credible, independent research that strengthens the global evidence base in occupational safety and health.
• Connecting researchers and professionals worldwide to foster meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange. 
• Informing policy and practice through rigorous, evidence-based insights.
• Promoting safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces across diverse regions and sectors.