World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28. Initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003, the day aims to discuss and work towards the importance of a safe and healthy work environment. There’s a high rise in work-related fatalities and dangers, giving rise to the importance of dedicated efforts to prevent the same. It also acknowledges the need for the collective effort of labour unions, governments, organisations, employers, and public health sectors in reaching true safety for workers. In this blog, we will explore the history, theme, and significance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. 

Name of the day	World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Observed on	28 April
Reason	To raise awareness about occupational accidents.
Theme 2024	Not released yet

What is World Day for Safety and Health at Work? 

It is an international global campaign that promotes the safe conduct of work-related activities at the workplace. It aims to bring attention to and prevent occupational accidents across the world. The day has been observed for 19 years by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This day has become of higher prominence since the COVID-19 pandemic, working towards building a strong foundation of safety and health culture across workplaces worldwide. As work-related deaths are a rising concern, this day promotes the reduction of these fatalities, curating a healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work. 

History of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 

• In the year of 2003, twenty years ago, the International Labour Organization (ILO) marked the beginning of this day.
• It started to stress the importance of prevention of increased occurrence of work-related accidents and diseases.
• Given ILO’s strengths of unionisation and social dialogue, the strength of this day was further built. 
• The same year, the Conclusions of the International Labour Conference reflect the integral role of inclusion of this day as a part of the Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health of the ILO. 
• The same day, 28 April is also dedicated as the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers since 1996.

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What is the Importance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work?

Why is observing this day so important? We have shared some of the reasons below. 

1. This day is a reminder to focus on the conditions of the work that labourers and workers are exposed to in this capitalist world. Making money at the cost of one’s own life should be countered with reasonable means and basic rights, that this day brings to the forefront.
2. Almost 2.6 million people faced nonfatal injuries and illnesses at their workplace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for 2020. This number in itself represents the need of the hour that this day aims to encounter. 
3. Furthermore, with this day, resources can be contributed to continual training for, supervisors, managers, and workers for hazard control and prevention. 

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How to Observe This Day?

How can a spectator observe this day? Some of the ideas are listed below. 

1. If you are a working professional, you can invite an expert to your workplace, talk to the HR department, and help conduct specialised training on the safety of workplaces. 
2. You can discuss the rights of workers and the importance of their safety and health. 
3. You can also help spread awareness on social media. 

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