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 serves to draw focus towards the prevention of accidents, diseases and fatalities arising from occupational activities. The observance calls for the creation and maintenance of a global culture of safety and health at work. It advocates protective legislation, enforcement of safety regulations, and educates about the crucial importance of occupational health and safety in our everyday lives.

Originating in 2003, World Day for Safety and Health at Work recognizes the significant human and economic cost of poor occupational safety and health practices. In the United Kingdom, a significant proportion of accidents and diseases at work is preventable. In fact, statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicate that between 2019 and 2020, 1.6 million people suffered from a work-related illness, and 111 workers suffered fatal injuries. This emphasizes the need for vigilance, stringent safety measures, and robust health systems in the workplace.

In the UK, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed through various activities and initiatives targeting workers, employers, and the general public. Activities include conferences, workshops, campaign launches and public debates which aim to increase understanding of the importance of health and safety at work. Organisations across multiple sectors strive to create safer working environments, underpinned by mental and physical wellbeing. Promotions on safety protocols, training, education and health awareness programs often feature at this time. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed on annually on 28th of Apri.

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 Working Time Regulations 1998 stipulate that workers should not work more than an average of 48 hours a week. However, workers can opt-out of this limit if they choose.
• In Great Britain during 2018/19, 1.4 million working people suffered from a work-related illness. There were 69,208 non-fatal injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR in 2018/19.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Visit the British Safety Council or Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) websites to learn about their work in promoting workplace safety and health.
• Visit the National Safety Council Library and Archives in Warwickshire to research the history of workplace safety and health in the UK.