Recognizing World Safety and Health at Work

Since 2003, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has recognized April 28^th as World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The day was established to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It’s a powerful reminder that safe and healthy working environments are a basic human right, not a privilege.

In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has worked for 55 years to keep employees safe at work, regardless of industry.

Why Workplace Safety Matters 

Because of OSHA, the workplace is a safer environment. When implemented in 1970, there were an average of nearly 11 nonfatal workplace injuries per 100 workers. Now, that number is down to 2.4 per 100 workers. Even in just the last 20 years, massive progress has been made in curbing workplace injury.

Workplace safety isn’t just about hard hats and warning signs. It’s about designing systems that prevent hazards, equipping workers with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, and building a culture where safety is prioritized from the top down.

Creating a Culture of Prevention

World Day for Safety and Health at Work isn’t just for policymakers and CEOs. It’s a call to action for everyone – employers, workers, unions, and governments alike – to create a strong culture of safety. This begins with awareness, is sustained through education, and is reinforced by collaboration.

Here’s how we can all contribute to a safer world of work:

• Training & Education: Workers must be trained not just once, but continually, to stay updated on the latest safety procedures. Awareness campaigns, drills, and peer mentoring can all make a difference.
• Leadership Commitment: When leadership demonstrates a genuine commitment to safety, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Investing in safety training, regularly reviewing protocols, and encouraging open communication are essential steps.
• Worker Involvement: Employees are the first to spot hazards and know their jobs best. Involving them in decision-making, encouraging them to report concerns, and protecting whistleblowers are crucial for lasting change.
• Regular Risk Assessments: Identifying potential hazards before they lead to injury is key. This includes physical risks, ergonomic issues, chemical exposure, and psychosocial stressors.

These are all prudent considerations regardless of work environment; whether it be a white-collar office, a shipping warehouse, hospital, or construction site. Attention must also be paid to weather, in all seasons. Nearly half of all non-fatal workplace injuries involve falls or overexertion. This can be prevented if proper precautions are taken during extreme cold or heat.

Recognizing the Human Cost

World Day for Safety and Health at Work also serves as a memorial for those who have died or been injured on the job. It’s easy to reduce workplace fatalities or injuries to statistics, but behind each incident is a family, a community, and a future forever changed.

It’s a stark reminder that while progress has been made, there is still work to do.

As the nature of work continues to evolve with the rise of gig work, automation, and remote jobs, so do the risks. Ensuring the safety and health of all workers, regardless of location or employment status, must remain a global priority.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a commitment to fairness, dignity, and compassion. So whether you’re an employee, employer, policymaker, or just someone who cares, take a moment on April 28th to reflect, learn, and act.