Vision Zero at Work: Strategies for Sustainable Excellence in Safety, Health and Wellbeing - Hardcover

by Gerard I. J. M. Zwetsloot (Author)

This book introduces Vision Zero, a commitment to create workplaces free from serious accidents, harm and work- related diseases while delivering excellence in Safety, Health and Wellbeing (SHW).

Based on the principle that a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental labour right, Vision Zero integrates SHW aspects to promote understanding and deliver safer and healthier workplaces. It places people at the core of business practices and offers an innovative perspective on achieving sustainable workplace safety and health. Readers will discover the foundational values, concepts and theories that define Vision Zero, along with actionable strategies for a proactive preventive workplace culture. The book emphasizes the importance of shifting from compliance to continuous improvement and innovation which is driven by leadership commitment from above and workforce collaboration from below. Practical insights on integrating prevention measures during the early stages of planning and design ensure SHW challenges are addressed before they arise. Real- world examples and policies from international organizations further demonstrate the power of Vision Zero in action, making the concept applicable to any workplace. Readers will obtain the knowledge and tools to create safer, healthier and more resilient organizations through the Vision Zero concept.

Vision Zero at Work: Strategies for Sustainable Excellence in Safety, Health and Wellbeing is essential for line managers, leaders and professionals in workplace safety, health and wellbeing or in human resource management, as well as policymakers, consultants and organizational change agents in business and management.

Author Biography

Gerard I.J.M. Zwetsloot is an independent researcher and consultant based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He specializes in workplace safety, health, and wellbeing, with a focus on Vision Zero and prevention culture. Previously, he served as a senior researcher at TNO and held honorary professorships at Erasmus University Rotterdam (1998-2006) and Nottingham University (2007-2019). He has a BSc in Chemistry and Physics, an MSc in Chemistry (Utrecht University), and a PhD in Social Sciences (Leiden University). Gerard has led key projects for the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and its global Vision Zero strategy, including the development of the proactive leading indicators guide. He is widely published and frequently invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences. In 2019, he received the Mukaidono Safety Award from the Institute of Global Safety Promotion in Tokyo, for his contributions to Vision Zero.