World Day for Safety and Health at Work

World Day for Safety and Health at Work History

World Day for Safety and Health at Work seeks to raise awareness about workplace safety and health issues. The aim of the day is to focus global attention on the magnitude of accidents, injuries, and diseases that occur at work, thereby promoting a safety culture to minimize and prevent occupational hazards. This observance holds special relevance given the emerging trends in the global economy that often result in poor work conditions and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

In India, the recognition of World Day for Safety and Health at Work is relatively recent, beginning from the early 2000s. It has acquired significant meaning due to the unique employment landscape of the country, in which a substantial population is engaged in manual labor in unorganized and often, precarious sectors like construction, agriculture, and small-scale industries. These sectors present various safety and health risks, demanding the urgent necessity for interventions promoting better work conditions, education, and regulations in the workplace.

In observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, various activities are hosted across India, ranging from workshops and campaigns to seminars focusing on the importance of occupational safety and health standards. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in these events. They serve as a platform to share best practices, strategies, and reinforce the commitment towards providing safe and healthy workplaces. World Day for Safety and Health at Work takes place annually on 28th April, driving the importance of health and safety at work not just within the organized but also the unorganized sectors of India.

Facts about World Day for Safety and Health at Work

• An estimate by the ILO indicates that work-related accidents and diseases are responsible for more than 2.3 million fatalities per year.
• The Factories Act, 1948 was amended in 1987 in the backdrop of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the worst industrial disaster in history, to include stricter safety and welfare measures. The lessons learned from such tragic incidents continue to shape the observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work in India.The Factories Act, 1948 was amended in 1987 in the backdrop of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the worst industrial disaster in history, to include stricter safety and welfare measures. The lessons learned from such tragic incidents continue to shape the observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work in India.
• Work-related accidents remain a significant concern in India. According to the ILO, in 2018 it was reported that about 48,000 workers lose their lives annually due to occupational accidents, emphasizing the importance of observing and earnestly implementing measures related to World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

In the News and Trending in India for World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Learn the fire exits and emergency exits around your workplace. Having knowledge of the escapes can aid you in case of an emergency.
• Watch the UN'S video on occupational safety and health tips for workplaces.
• Organize a safety training session or workshop for employees in your workplace to raise awareness and improve knowledge on safety measures.
• Participate in a march or rally to raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety and health and demand better working conditions.