World Day for Safety and Health at Work

What is World Day for Safety and Health at Work?

From preventing the risk of the spread of the virus in the workplace to shifting to a remote workforce, COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of how we work. Throughout the past two years of the pandemic, it has been critical that everyone, including governments, public health officials, employers and employees, work together to protect the safety and health of workers. As we continue to adjust to the changes brought by the pandemic, we must work together to build a strong safety and health culture around the globe.

2.3 million people die annually due to occupational accidents or work-related diseases worldwide. Many of the 317 million workplace incidents a year result in extended absences from work. The economic burden that these accidents place on governments is costly. Days lost to work-related causes represent 4% up to 6% of global GDP. Eighty-six percent of work-related deaths come from disease, with an estimated 6,500 people dying from occupational illnesses compared to 1,000 a day from fatal occupational accidents.

Every worker has a right to a safe and healthy work environment. World Day for Safety and Health at Work, held every April 28, is an international campaign to promote safe and healthy workplaces to help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries worldwide. It has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) for 19 years.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work Theme

On World Day for Safety and Health at Work Day, The United Nations, ILO, and other organizations, communities, individuals and government bodies work together to promote workplace health and safety. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Report sets a global plan to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Occupational safety and health data have become critical for countries around the world to meet the report’s commitments.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022 theme, act together to build a positive safety and health culture, combines participation and social dialogue to create a positive safety and health culture in the workplace. Having an open dialogue about occupational safety and health from governments to employees helps develop new policies and regulations to combat current and future challenges and implement new policies. Positive occupational safety culture is built and sustained through open communication, trust and involvement with all parties.

History of World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The International Labour Organization (ILO) began observing World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, 2003, to stress the prevention of accidents and diseases at work globally. The observance helps raise awareness as part of ILO’s Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health to reduce the number of workplace deaths and injuries.

April 28 is also the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, a day to honor the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.

ILO’s mission is to advance opportunities for people to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The organization promotes rights at work, boosts social protection, and strengthens the dialogue for work-related issues. ILO understands that it is a shared responsibility between governments, employers, and workers to prevent death, injuries, and disease and promote safe work environments.

How to Observe World Day for Safety and Health at Work

There are many ways to observe World Day for Safety and Health at Work, including:

• Invite a workplace safety expert to your business to conduct specialized training
• Create safety training activities with your staff
• Follow #WorldDayForSafety or #WorkSafe on social media

Importance of Workplace Safety Programs

Workplace injuries in the United States have declined over the past several years. However, accidents can still happen and cost individual businesses thousands of dollars per year in medical and other expenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for 2020, there were approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses and over 4,700 workplace fatalities. The National Safety Council approximated the costs of workplace injuries and deaths at over $171 billion.

Investing in workplace safety programs brings savings in workers’ compensation and other medical costs, and also provides large financial savings for companies in the long run. Employers and leaders that enforce safety procedures and regulations provide safety training, education, and occupational health programs create a safe work environment and improve employee loyalty. Management should communicate the safety program clearly to the workers, involving them in the formation and continuous implementation of the program. Other important elements for a safety program include:

• Worksite analysis to identify and access current hazards
• Hazard prevention and control
• Continual training for workers, supervisors and managers

Courtesy of AmTrust