What is OSHC
The Occupational Safety and Health Council describes itself as a statutory body to promote safety and health at work and to support Hong Kong’s valuable workforce.
It was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Council Ordinance, Chapter 398 of the Hong Kong Laws, in force since August 22, 1988. Section 3 of that ordinance establishes the Council as a separate legal entity, and its annex specifies that it is not considered an employee or agent of the Government. Appointments, guidelines, budget approval, and submission of the annual report to the Legislative Council are the responsibility of the Chief Executive.
Nature and mandate
The Council comprises nineteen members representing employers, workers, professional interests, academic institutions, and the Government, appointed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. An executive director heads the Secretariat, which acts as the organization’s executive arm.
It is financed primarily by the workers’ compensation insurance levy, supplemented by income from training courses and consultancy services.
It is important to define its role. The OSHC is not Hong Kong’s Labour Department, it does not perform inspection functions, it is not a sanctioning authority, and its scope is Hong Kong, not the whole of China.
Activities and resources
- Community outreach. Dissemination of occupational safety and health information in society.
- Education and training. Training programs, with a stated focus on young people and the professional development of technicians.
- Consulting. Advisory services on best practices.
- Research and strategy. Research and development work on preventive strategy.
- Information and exchange. Dissemination of information and facilitation of exchange between government, employers, workers, professionals and academics.
Links with experts featured in Sabentis Explore
Bonnie Yau ‘s profile on Sabentis Explore links her to the executive directorship of the Occupational Safety and Health Council. The Council itself identifies her as Executive Director heading its Secretariat, and the Hong Kong government refers to her in the same capacity in the Secretary of Labour and Welfare’s speech at the opening of the OSH INNO Expo on June 2, 2026.
