These guidelines focus on individuals who have lost or are in danger of losing their jobs as a result of economic factors, the evolution of technological processes, the relocation of production units or any other cause except illness or injury. The latter is covered in the ISSA Guidelines on Return to Work and Reintegration. These guidelines are also directed at young jobseekers who do not find work immediately after the completion of their studies.

Member organizations of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) that are involved in the management of employment insurance and assistance schemes, either directly or indirectly, comprise a broad and diverse group of social security institutions. In addition to evolving economic, demographic and labour market changes, new and significant challenges are being imposed on many of these organizations.

Work is critical to all dimensions of life, for citizens and for society; it is a key factor for economic productivity and wealth creation and contributes to social harmony and stability. It is often said that a decent job is the best form of social security, but how to ensure that anyone can access a decent job?

The ISSA Guidelines for Social Security Administration were prepared by the ISSA General Secretariat with the ISSA technical commissions.

The institution – if it covers work-related traffic and/or commuting accidents – cooperates with employers and road safety stakeholders to address these risks.

Among the many occupational risks to be addressed are the widespread hazards involved in transporting goods and passengers by public transport. Occupational risks in transportation account for a large number of accidents and are among the many which may be insured by a social security institution.

The institution places special emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises and delivers prevention services tailored to their needs and possibilities.

One of the most important target groups for occupational safety and health solutions is small and medium-sized enterprises, which typically employ the largest number of workers in any country. These businesses differ significantly from large corporations in their structure and resources as well as in aspects of prevention. Small and medium-sized enterprises do not often employ safety and health specialists.

The institution commits to promoting a nationwide prevention culture and recognizes that the development of a prevention culture is the responsibility of society as a whole.

The promotion of a prevention culture should be a declared goal of a social security institution. This requires all stakeholders in occupational safety and health, but also in areas related to it, to jointly formulate their prevention targets and contribute to sustainably improving safety and health throughout society and in all aspects of life. Building a prevention culture is the “responsibility of the society as a whole” as stated in the Seoul Declaration.