Introduction ‘Vision Zero’ is a prevention strategy with the vision of a world without occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Its highest priority is to prevent fatal and serious work accidents and occupational diseases. Vision Zero is the goal of a comprehensive culture of prevention.

Methods The concept of Vision Zero has gone hand in hand with the work done by the German Social Accident Insurance DGUV and its member institutions for many years. Vision zero in context with safety and health at work is not an illusion or a target of its own; it is a basic strategy and a mindset at the same time. Vision Zero is the fundamental strategy for developing a comprehensive and holistic culture of prevention that takes into consideration the safety, health and well-being of employees. The International Social Security Association ISSA just recently launched a global ‘Vision Zero’ campaign during the World Congress on Safety and Health at Singapore.

Results In order for Vision Zero to become a reality in practice, prevention work must always be realigned to this goal. This broad global and networked approach requires everyone in society to get involved. Vision Zero is a strategic, comprehensive and qualitative approach: where objectives are formulated and agreed upon; which is geared towards risks and hazards; and which takes into consideration all the circumstances behind accidents at work and on the road, occupational diseases and work-related health hazards.

Conclusions The goal of zero accidents might seem difficult, but it is the only ethically correct goal that we must work on in the future. Vision Zero provides a strategy to achieve this. Under Vision Zero, safety and health at work are values that companies, organisations and society appreciate and strive for.