World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Date, Theme, History, Objective, Significance & More

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: It is observed on 28 April and promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases across the world. The day is observed to promote safety and health in the workplace, and for those who have died from work-related injury or illness at the workplace, Worker's Memorial Day honours them.

Every day most of the time, people spend in the organisation where they work to earn money. It is important to maintain healthy standards at the workplace so, that any kind of mishappening, work-related injury, etc. can be avoided. To create awareness among people World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed. 

Let us tell you that this day was declared by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. Basically, it is an awareness-raising campaign that focuses international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: History

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was first observed in 2003 by the International Labour Organisation in an effort to minimise workplace accidents and illnesses.

An organisation under the United Nations called the International Labour Organisation works with labour-related issues such as global labour standards, social and personal security, new employment prospects, and much more.

The ILO was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for their significant contributions to international peace and harmony. One of the original ILO members in India.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Objective 

The main objective is to focus international attention on the magnitude of the problem and to promote healthy work culture so that several work-related deaths and injuries can be reduced. Do you know that 28 April is also an International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers which was organised around the whole world by the trade union movement since 1996? Every year, the ILO publishes a booklet and disseminates information on this issue.

READ| International Labour Day 

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Theme

Every year International Labour Organization decides the theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work every year and the theme for 2023 is “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work”.

The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022 is "Participation And Social Dialogue In Creating A Positive Safety And Health Culture."

The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 was "Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives".

The aim of the day is to stimulate national tripartite dialogue on safety and health at work. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is raising awareness on the adoption of safe practices in workplaces and the role that occupational safety and health (OSH) services play. 

In 2019 the theme was: “Safety and Health and the Future of Work”.

In 2018 the theme was: "OSH vulnerability of young workers".

In 2017 the theme was: "Optimise the collection and use of OSH data".

Every year thousands of people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases and resulting in millions of deaths every year. No doubt the human cost of this daily adversity is vast and the economic burden on the poor is also increasing day by day. Occupational safety and health practices affect the Gross Domestic Product globally every year.

Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 of the United Nations which was adopted on 25 September 2015 focuses on specific targets to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

How is World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebrated?

On 28 April several organisations like the UN, ILO, communities and government bodies, and individuals for safety and for better health in the workplace united together and promote an international campaign known as World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Every Year the UN posts events in the event calendar.

Also, leaders of the Community and organisational representatives promote the day by speaking out on issues like workplace health, safety measures, etc. Programs focusing on health issues in the workplace, safety measures etc. broadcast.

“Teleworking offers new opportunities for workers to keep working... However, workers must be able to negotiate these arrangements so that they retain balance with other responsibilities, such as caring for children, the sick or the elderly, and of course themselves.”

Therefore, on this day we should also stand together to create awareness among people regarding health and safety measures necessary at the workplace to make the environment healthy and positive.

_{Source: ilo.org, un.org}

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