O-298 Sustainable Policies and Actions in a Changing World of Work: Occupational Health in China

Abstract Introduction Facing the once-in-a-century challenge of pandemic and dynamic socio economic development, China is becoming the global manufacturing center with over 775 million working population. Methods We used an interpretive approach to share policy advocacy and outcomes in China during 2018-2022. Results (1) Governance reform. Since 2018, China has rolled out a massive reshuffle plan to deepen institutional reform, the responsibility of occupational health and work safety has been merged into the regulations of the National Health Commission. (2) Protect the fundamental rights of civilians for platform-based employees. China promulgated its first-ever Civil Code in 2020, the labor protection for platform-based employment China is strengthened to build harmonious labor relations. (3) Occupational health against COVID-19. Comprehensive measures have been implemented for the working population in the workplaces. (4) In the health sector, safety and health management for health workers has iterated during the last decade. (5) In agriculture, international technical tools are introduced in China, including ILO/IEA Ergonomic Checkpoints in Agriculture, a pilot project is under way in the poverty alleviation area. Discussion China is facing pressing challenges in occupational health, significant efforts have been made in the industries of platform economics, health service and agriculture. During COVID-19, informal and self-employed workers are at greater risk from COVID-19 than formal employees. Conclusion A healthy workforce is fundamental for China to pursue its Healthy China 2030 strategy and the UN SDGs. China has seen a shift in policies and actions to address occupational health issues. New institutional reform is a great opportunity to improve the nationwide occupational health regulation.