World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed globally

28 April: World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2017 was observed across the world on 28 April 2017 with the theme 'Optimize the collection and use of OSH data'.

This year, ILO’s campaign focuses on the critical need for countries to improve their capacity to collect and utilize reliable occupational safety and health (OSH) data.

Why there is a need of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?
• Every day, 6300 people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases which means that there are more than 2.3 million deaths per year.
• 317 million accidents occur on the job annually; many of these result in the extended absences from work.
• The economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product every year.

Occupational Safety and Health as per UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted on 25 September 2015 also calls for the same in its Sustainable Development Goal 8.
• Sustainable Development Goal 8 provides for the promotion of 'inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all'
• Its Target 8.8 focuses on the 'protection of labour rights and promotion of safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.

Background
The World Day for Safety and Health is organised every year by International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote safe, healthy and decent work. ILO has been observing the Day since 2003.