Rosario, Argentina | 28 September–2 October 2026

How can occupational safety and health professionals respond to changing workplace risks while continuing to strengthen prevention? This question was among the themes explored at the XXVI International ORP Congress 2026, held in Argentina from 28 September to 2 October. The event brought together professionals and organisations working across occupational safety, health, wellbeing, technology and sustainability.

ENSHPO was represented by its President, Francesco Santi, who participated in the congress alongside AIAS, the Italian Association for Environment and Safety. His contributions included sessions examining the Vision Zero approach to prevention and the changing role of OSH professionals, as well as the implications of digitalisation for the profession.

From compliance to a broader prevention culture

The Vision Zero approach provides a framework for considering how occupational accidents and work-related ill health can be prevented through leadership, organisational culture and continuous improvement. Rather than focusing exclusively on individual safety measures, it encourages organisations to consider prevention as an integral part of their decision-making and management processes.

Discussions at the congress also addressed the evolving responsibilities of OSH professionals as workplaces adopt new technologies. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence can create opportunities for improved risk identification and management, while also introducing new questions concerning human oversight, competence, privacy and the organisation of work.

These developments underline the importance of maintaining a strong professional knowledge base and ensuring that technological innovation is considered alongside the protection of workers.

Why this matters for ENSHPO

As a European network connecting OSH professional organisations, ENSHPO provides a platform for exchanging experience, sharing knowledge and bringing professional perspectives into wider discussions about prevention.

Participation in an international congress such as ORP offers an opportunity to exchange approaches with professionals operating in different national and organisational contexts. It also creates space to consider how established prevention principles can be applied as workplaces and professional responsibilities evolve.

ENSHPO’s involvement reflects its interest in supporting the exchange of good practice and strengthening the contribution of OSH professionals to safer and healthier working environments.

International events cannot provide a single solution to every workplace challenge. However, they can help identify shared priorities, encourage professional dialogue and support the continued development of prevention practices.

Further information: ORP Congress 2026 programme