World Day for Safety and Health at Work takes place on April 28 every year. This holiday was initiated to promote and discuss the importance of having a safe, and healthy work environment. Data shows that deaths that have occurred as a result of work-related accidents are 19% globally. The necessity and demand to fix this humane issue is highlighted on World Day for Safety and Healthy at Work. The need for change and a thorough plan of action for the well-being of every worker across the globe is vital.
History of World Day for Safety and Health at Work
In 2003, the International Labour Organization (ILO) decided to dedicate and celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The ILO has always been an expert in contributing to a safer culture in the workplace. The ILO acknowledges the need of every stakeholder — including organizations, labor unions, governments, employers, and public health sectors as vital keys to safeguarding and reaching true health and safety for every worker. The national holiday, commemorated every April 28, seeks to encourage, support, and bolster the need to continuously create a safe and healthy culture, to reduce work-related injuries, accidents, illnesses, and deaths for every worker and employee.
Around 6,500 people die every day because of accidents that happen on the job, as well as work-related diseases. That is 2.3 million deaths in a year. This is where World Day for Safety and Health at Work comes in. It is the opportunity to delve into the topic of participation and social dialogue, and collaborate with participants and social partners to ensure the effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) processes, frameworks, and changes. With a successful understanding and commitment, implementation will be more steadfast and long-term appropriate.
These sustainable solutions will be useful for all work organizations and their people. The hope for every workplace is an inclusive environment, where every employee and worker feels comfortable raising concerns, and suggestions with management. During World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the ILO commemorates the day with a detailed schedule of events that includes a presentation and report.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work timeline
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is created as part of the Treaty of Versailles, which ends World War I.
International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers is formed worldwide by the trade movement.
The ILO celebrates its centenary anniversary and continues to improve work safety.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is marked as a Global Webinar where social dialogue is highly encouraged.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work FAQs
When was the first year of the holiday?
World Day for Safety and Health at Work started in 2003.
What is considered Workplace Safety
A workplace safety program consists of all the processes, protocols, and guidance regulated to help reduce the risks and injuries on-site, as well as the diseases.
How can I participate in the Global Webinar?
The event will be held in the ILO HQ in Geneva, but you can join through Zoom and Youtube from 13:30- 14:45 (CET-Geneva Time)
World Day for Safety and Health at Work Activities
Discuss the issue of worker’s safety and health
Most people in the world today are either employees or employers. So any dialogue on the topic will create awareness around the importance of safety at work.
Join in ILO’s activities
The ILO always sets up events to mark the day. Join in on the set activities and play your part to create awareness.
Apply it in your workplace
Learn about what this day is all about then apply what you have learned. You can implement amendments and executions under ILO and practice applicable safety measures in your workplace.
5 Facts About World Day For Safety And Health At Work
It started through the ILO
The ILO got involved with this holiday as a request from the trade union movement.
April 28 is also another holiday
International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, initiated in 1996 is also observed today.
Covid-19 changed the workplace
Even better health and safety measures at work are needed to prevent the spread of the virus.
The holiday maintains its relevance
The holiday has been observed for close to 20 years and it is still very relevant in the workplace.
A unified progress is formed
The United Nations has a global plan of action called the ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’
Why We Love World Day for Safety and Health at Work
We get to learn
There is so much to understand and tackle with the topic of safety and health at work. Identifying hazards that cause injuries at work is a good place to start.
It’s universal
Unsafe workplaces are risky and therefore undesirable. Safety and health are a form of social justice that every employee deserves in their work environment.
We get to practice
This national holiday reminds us to implement safe work practices. The ILO doesn’t just teach us the importance of a safe workplace but reinforces the need to apply safety measures in our day-to-day activities.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 28 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 28 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 28 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 28 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 28 | Friday |
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