Understanding OSH Literacy: An Essential Life Skill
What is Literacy?
Literacy is the ability to read, write, and understand a particular language or type of information. In recent years the concept of literacy has changed. In this 21st century Age-of-Information and multiliteracies, literacy now encompasses competency in specific areas, such as computer or financial literacy. Each of the many new, recognized literacies has its own unique set of symbols, terminology and skills:
- Language Literacy: Letters, punctuation, and words (a, b, c, ?!, &), the ability to read and write.
- Numeracy: Numbers, operations, and tools (1, 2, 3, +, –, =, calculator).
- Computer/Digital Literacy: Technology-related symbols, tools and skills (@, /, _, modem).
- Financial Literacy: Understanding money and percentages ($, £, %, currency).
- Other Literacies: Health, musical, geographical, media and many, many more.
To be classed as competent in any field, one must possess the necessary literacy skills for that domain. Humans do not have an innate ability to interpret and utilize different literacies. They must be taught from entry level to advanced. Educators, trainers and learners are all familiar with this structured model of literacy acquisition.
What is OSH Literacy?
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) information is designed to protect individuals by promoting safety and health. Like other literacies, OSH uses a unique communication system composed of shapes, colors, symbols, pictograms, and specialized terminology. These systems are internationally standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO), the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of classification for hazardous substances (GHS), the Vienna Protocol for traffic signs and symbols and others. They are almost universally recognized and applied.
It is a common misconception that this communication system only applies to workplaces. In fact, they are ubiquitous. Although, OSH literacy can become more specialized depending on different industry sectors, its principles apply everywhere: in workplaces, at home (on food, packaging, appliances, household chemicals and cosmetics) and in public spaces like airports and shopping malls for fire safety and equipment, evacuation, medical emergencies and major incidents such as the pandemic, earthquakes and fires; ‘they apply wherever there are people’ (ISO).
As with other literacies, OSH literacy must be taught from entry-level to advanced. Learners must have the basic, foundational levels in order to progress to higher levels. These foundational levels should be taught in the schools from a young age.
The Components of OSH Literacy
- Literacy Skills: The ability to find, interpret, and understand and use OSH-related signs, symbols, colors, pictograms, and terminology. Recognizing standardized systems like GHS, Electrical and ISO signage is vital for safety and compliance as is the ability to understand and communicate information about hazards and risk.
- Numeracy Skills: The ability to assess risks, calculate safe loads, understand weights and measures, and interpret safety data sheets.
- Hard Skills: Practical abilities such as using fire extinguishers, personal protective equipment (PPE), and following safety protocols.
- Soft Skills: Effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution are essential for creating and maintaining safe environments.
Why OSH Literacy is Critical
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), preventable accidents are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Vulnerable groups such as children, young people, persons with Special Educational Needs and (visible & invisible) Disabilities (SEND), individuals in their first 12 months of employment, older people, migrants, persons with low levels of English (the lingua franca) and those in 3D (dangerous, dirty and demeaning) jobs or high-risk sectors like agriculture, fishing, construction, and waste management—are particularly affected.
Key Challenges Include:
- Poor communication and human factors, including insufficient education and training, are the primary causes of most preventable incidents.
- At-risk groups often work in unregulated or hazardous environments, 3D jobs as well as seasonal, gig-economy, and black-economy employment.
- Barriers to OSH literacy include lack of education and training, cognitive (learning difficulties), physical (poor eyesight or hearing), linguistic (specialized terminology), and socio-economic factors.
In today’s information age, we are constantly bombarded with signs, symbols, logos, icons and advertisements. Many lack the OSH literacy skills needed to recognize and prioritize safety messages, resulting in confusion or being oblivious to critical safety warnings.
The Benefits of OSH Literacy
OSH literacy bridges the gap between education and independent living and workplace demands. It provides a foundation for lifelong learning and better equips individuals to navigate work and life safely.
- For Individuals: OSH literacy enhances long and short-term health and socio-economic mobility prospects. Employers highly value candidates with these skills, which improve safety compliance. Knowledge can also be shared within families and communities, promoting a broader culture of safety.
- For Employers: Awareness of OSH literacy barriers allows employers to meet legal and moral responsibilities while improving communication and reducing workplace incidents.
The Case for OSH Literacy in Education
For years, businesses and global organizations have called for school curricula to align with workplace needs. OSH literacy fulfils this demand by preparing young people to transition safely into employment and independent living.
OSH literacy:
- Addresses gaps in safety and health education that can aid reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- Ensures vulnerable groups are better equipped to engage with OSH information.
- Aligns with global goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, and 8.
- Helps us to fulfil a duty-of-care to prepare our children and young people to safely and successfully transition from childhood to adulthood.
OSH Literacy in Action
OSH literacy has initiated numerous international outreach projects. These efforts consistently show that pre-teaching basic OSH literacy significantly improves understanding, engagement, and compliance. Early education also identifies individuals needing additional support, allowing for targeted interventions to safeguard them and others.
In June 2022, the International Labour Conference recognized safety and health as a fundamental principle and right at work. This commitment by 187 ILO member states underscores the importance of teaching OSH literacy as a fundamental right and life skill.
In June 2023, the ISO introduced the: ISO 24495-1:2023 – Plain language standard, which set-out the requirements for plain language (A1 and A2 language levels). It is applicable across all countries and industries, as is OSH literacy.
What We Do
At OSH Literacy, we:
- Train teachers, trainers and safety representatives to make OSH education, training and communications inclusive and effective.
- Advocate for OSH literacy to be recognized and taught as an essential life skill.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align educational systems with employment needs.
- Campaign for ethical, inclusive, professionally produced and vetted OSH teaching and training materials and practises.
- See ‘Projects in Pics’
By recognizing and teaching OSH literacy from foundation level, we can build safer, more cohesive education-to-employment eco-systems and provide tangible, lifelong benefits to individuals, communities, and economies.
Thank you for reading. Should you require further information or advice about OSH literacy, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of our team.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Magee
Founder, OSH Literacy
Contact: [email protected]