June 1, 2015

The word “Welcome” flowed across the massive screen in dozens of languages, inviting over 1,800 guests in the hall to Seoul, to Korea ? and to the 31st ICOH Congress, at Sunday’s Opening Ceremony.

Over the course of two hours, they feasted their minds on though-provoking words from scientists, political leaders, and one poet.

“We all come from different countries and cultures, but we share one thing in common: That life is the most valuable thing for all of us,” said Korean Employment and Labor Minister Lee Ki-kwon, noting that changes in the work environment bring new challenges to human health.

As it developed rapidly after the Korean War, Korea faced its share of safety problems, and the minister said the government has prepared a mid- to long-term safety “master plan” that embraced citizens’ input. “I realized safety and health challenges cannot be resolved by one person or one ministry, because it involves all of us, together.

“Through international cooperation, I hope we will be able to communicate for better occupational health and safety around the world, and that you will be able to set up a vision for the future.”

Echoing the minister’s words, KOSHA President Lee Young-soon said Korea stands at an important juncture in the OSH field. “After rapid growth, we’re recognizing the need for more balanced growth, focusing on the quality of life of our citizens,” he said.

ICOH President Dr. Kazutaki Kogi opened his remarks in Korean, before switching to French and English ? embracing the Congress’s 3 official languages. He noted that nearly 500 health care workers died in the recent Ebola crisis in West Africa, which points to an acute need to support OHS. “We need to extend OHS to all workplaces, including emergency situations,” he said.

Wearing his signature wide-brimmed hat, Korean poet Ko Un used profound language to urge humanity to focus on the communal, the group, the public ? the “we” ? rather than a self-centered existence, saying that “’I’ without ‘we’ is a lie.” Yet despite society’s shortcomings, Ko finds hope: “We must find the vitality of a life that is at the same time public and private.”