Vision Zero’s 7 Golden Rules
A lever for a healthy, safe, and sustainable working life – every day
Workplace accidents and work-related illnesses are preventable – especially when you and your colleagues create and strengthen a robust prevention culture together. That’s why, at Human House, we work strategically with Vision Zero and the 7 Golden Rules to help organisations establish safe, healthy, and secure workplaces.
What are Vision Zero’s 7 Golden Rules?
Vision Zero is an international occupational health and safety strategy where safety, health, and wellbeing are core values. The 7 Golden Rules provide a concrete, action-oriented foundation that enables organisations to strengthen their preventative efforts at every level – from top management to employees. These rules are not just guidelines; they are effective, adaptable principles that apply to any workplace, regardless of sector, size, or specific challenges.
By breaking down organisational silos and integrating safety, health, and psychosocial wellbeing efforts into a single, unified strategy, you can drive greater efficiency and synergy in the workplace.
Which areas do the 7 Golden Rules cover?
Vision Zero and the 7 Golden Rules encompass all aspects of the working environment:
- Wellbeing: Establishing a culture where everyone is engaged and feels valued
- Safety: Preventing accidents and hazardous situations
- Health: Focusing on both physical and psychosocial working conditions
The rules are flexible and applicable across all sectors – from production sites and construction to office environments, healthcare, and the public sector.
The 7 Golden Rules – in brief:
1. Take leadership – demonstrate commitment
As a leader, you set the example – your actions and attitudes are crucial to achieving success in safety, health, and wellbeing.
2. Identify hazards – control risks
Through structured risk assessment, hazards and risks can be identified and managed at an early stage, enabling preventative measures to be taken. It is essential to consider accidents, injuries, and near-misses in the evaluation.
3. Define targets – develop programmes
Clear objectives and concrete initiatives are necessary for success in safety, health, and wellbeing. These should form part of a practical implementation programme.
4. Ensure a safe and healthy system – be well-organised
Structure the work systematically – ideally, with occupational health and safety management aligned to ISO 45001 standards.
5. Ensure safety and health in machines, equipment, and workplaces
Safe machines, facilities, and workplaces are essential for minimising accident risks. Equal attention should be given to health and wellbeing.
6. Improve qualifications – develop competence
Prioritise education and upskilling to ensure employees always have the right knowledge and access to essential resources.
7. Invest in people – motivate by participation
Actively engage your employees in safety, health, and wellbeing matters. It’s an investment that pays off.
How can your organisation benefit from the 7 Golden Rules?
Vision Zero’s 7 Golden Rules offer a proven framework for preventing accidents, improving health, and strengthening well-being. The rules provide clarity on what is already working well in your workplace – and where there is potential for improvement. Each rule includes specific principles and checklists to help you systematically evaluate and prioritise your efforts.
The rules make it easy to initiate relevant actions, integrate prevention into daily routines, and create visible, measurable results in your working environment. They can also serve as management tools at all organisational levels, ensuring shared responsibility and unified direction.
Get support with Vision Zero
At Human House, we assist with every aspect of Vision Zero – from analysis and leadership development to implementation and ongoing support for the 7 Golden Rules.
We know that lasting changes require deep involvement, strong leadership, and a collective commitment. With our experience and specialist knowledge, we ensure your organisation receives exactly the tools and methods you need.
We offer:
- Tailored workshops and training for both management and employees
- Assessment and evaluation: Where does your working environment already excel, and where is there room to improve?
- Development of targeted programmes and procedures
- Support in building systems – such as occupational health and safety management and ISO 45001
- Ongoing competence development and invovlement of all employees
- A shared cultural journey, where everyone takes an active part in creating an even better workplace
Any questions?
