ILO and EU launch project to improve workplace safety in North Macedonia
With a focus on prevention, the initiative will help develop a national policy and strategy on occupational safety and health, align national legislation with ILO conventions and EU directives, modernize labour inspection systems, and establish a national digital platform for workplace safety and health.
© ILO
Participants of the launch event of the project “Towards a Safe and Healthy Working Environment in North Macedonia” on 11 November, 2025 in Skopje.
SKOPJE (ILO News) — A new project funded by the European Union and led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) aims to strengthen workplace safety and health systems in North Macedonia, reducing injuries and illnesses through comprehensive reforms and capacity building.
The three-year initiative, Towards a Safe and Healthy Working Environment in North Macedonia, was launched on 11 November in Skopje. Endorsed by workers’ and employers’ organizations, and the government, the project will help develop a national policy and strategy on occupational safety and health, align national legislation with international labour standards and EU directives, modernize labour inspection systems, and establish a national digital platform for workplace safety and health.
Globally, 2.9 million workers die each year from work-related accidents, and over 400 million suffer injuries—costing the world economy an estimated 4 percent of global gross domestic product. In the EU, annual losses reach approximately 460 billion euros. Applying similar estimates to North Macedonia, workplace accidents may cost the national economy between 500 and 600 million euros per year.
In 2023, the State Labour Inspectorate conducted over 22,000 inspections, identifying irregularities in nearly half of them. While this reflects increased oversight, it also highlights the need for stronger institutional capacity and improved compliance.
North Macedonia, a candidate to join the EU, has made progress in aligning with EU directives on workplace safety and health, but gaps remain. The ILO project will:
Develop a national policy and strategy for occupational safety and health for the period 2026–2030
Fully align national legislation with ILO conventions and EU directives
Modernize labour inspection through training, digital tools, and a new case management system
Establish a national digital platform for reporting and analysing workplace accidents and diseases
Support employers’ and workers’ organizations with training, manuals, and tailored capacity-building interventions
Promote workplace safety and health education in schools and raise public awareness
By 2028, the project aims to deliver a fully adopted national strategy, a modernized inspection system, a real-time data platform, and a stronger culture of prevention across workplaces and educational institutions.
“Protecting the life and health of every worker is an obligation of every modern state and a top priority of our government,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ljupcho Dimovski. “With this project, we are launching a systemic transformation to ensure that every worker, regardless of occupation, works in conditions that protect their health and life. My gratitude goes to the European Union and the ILO, our long-term partners in this mission.