The concept of occupational health and safety (OHS) describes the strategies, guidelines, and actions typically adopted and implemented to prevent, minimize or manage the risks associated with the health and safety of people and property. Over the years, the rapid growth, development and operation of various industries in developing countries have resulted in numerous accidents, injuries and illnesses. Given the short- and long-term effects of such issues, it is imperative to identify, examine and highlight the potential areas where workplace-related incidences could occur in the industry. Therefore, this paper presents an overview of the current status and future outlook on occupational health and safety (OHS) research in Sudan. The review of the literature indicates that although OHS research is still in its infancy in Sudan, various researchers have examined the nature, sources, and impacts of accidents, injuries, and illnesses that severely comprise workers’ health and safety. Furthermore, workers in Sudan are routinely exposed to toxic chemicals, medical wastes, noxious gases, noise pollution and other workplace-related risks that severely affect human health, safety and the environment. However, many employers, workers and government agencies have ample knowledge of OHS and its importance in the workplace. The studies also highlighted the crucial role played by OHS not only on health and safety but also the overall organisational performance and operational management in workplaces. Therefore, the design, development, and integration of OHS programmes into the workplace could greatly minimize and eliminate work-related accidents, illness, injuries or death.

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Introduction: Since Heinrich's early studies, work has been recognized as a substantial contributor to psychological and physical illness. Fast technological, economic, and social advancements have increased the number of occupational fatalities and illnesses in developing nations. Nonetheless, it is demonstrated that the creation, application, and enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS) reduce accidents and enhance employees' well-being. This study aims to understand Sudan's current occupational safety and health situation and identify any challenges or gaps in the current system. Methods: A mixed methods approach deploying a literature review and secondary data was adopted to answer the research question about the status of occupational health and safety in Sudan. Results: A comparison of the artisanal and organized gold mining sectors over the years 2018-2020 shows an increase in the number of accidents in the artisanal sector but a sharp decrease in both the number and severity of accidents in the organized sector. The frequency rate declined in the organized sector but fluctuated in the artisanal sector. It was also found that many OSH incidents of different types and levels of severity occurred. In 2020, the Fatal Accident Rate (FAR) was 66.48 in artisanal gold mining, 0.55 in organized gold mining, and 0.01 in oil and gas. However, calculating and comparing other sectors' performance indicators to evaluate OSH's status was not possible for many reasons. Conclusion: Findings were constrained, possibly due to the limited occupational health and safety data. There is an urgent need to strengthen and improve the governance of occupational safety and health in Sudan. A more comprehensive study needs to be undertaken to assess the status of the OSH in formal and non-formal sectors and investigate the correlation of OSH to workers’ well-being and the Sudanese economy.