As part of the 25th Annual National Conference “Occupational Safety and Health: Challenges and Opportunities,” held on 4 December 2025 at the Antunović Hotel Congress Center and organized by ZIRS Učilište – Adult Education Institution and the scientific-professional journal Sigurnost, the Office of the Ombudswoman was awarded recognition for promoting occupational safety and health in public spaces.
The award was received by Deputy Ombudswoman Dijana Kesonja, who in her opening address highlighted the importance of the right to work and combating discrimination in employment and the workplace as a key area of the Office’s work. This is confirmed by the large number of complaints received each year, which consistently places labor and civil service relations among the top areas of concern. Likewise, in complaints regarding discrimination, employment and work-related issues are often the most frequently reported. Deputy Kesonja outlined the most common types of labor rights violations reported by citizens, the specific challenges faced by foreign workers, and drew attention to emerging issues in this area, such as working in high temperatures and the associated risks to occupational safety.
In their reasoning for the award, the organizers emphasized the Ombudswoman’s contribution to promoting occupational safety and health in public spaces, fostering a culture of safety, and advocating for fundamental labour and human rights, including the right to a safe and healthy workplace. They particularly highlighted the Ombudswoman’s recommendations in the 2024 Annual Report concerning the ratification of ILO Convention No. 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, ILO Convention No. 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work, and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
In addition to the Ombudswoman, awards and recognitions were presented to other deserving individuals, organizations, and institutions active in the field of occupational safety and health.
Conference speakers addressed a range of important topics, including the European Parliament’s activities and role in improving working conditions in the EU, an analysis of occupational safety management models in Croatia, examples from case law and the legal consequences of workplace safety failures, current indicators for occupational risk assessment in Croatia, and the role of labour inspections in protecting workplace safety.
The conference also covered obligations under Directive (EU) 2024/1760 on due diligence for sustainable business practices, specifically relating to occupational health and safety, regulations on new standards for asbestos dust protection, the use of new technologies, digitalization, artificial intelligence and their impact on occupational safety and health, as well as climate change, safety and health risks, and preventive measures.
More information on the Ombudswoman’s activities in the area of the right to work can be found in the Ombudswoman’s 2024 Annual Report.
