World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual campaign held on the 28th of April that seeks to prevent occupational deaths and diseases at work.
The yearly event focuses on the magnitude of issues surrounding work fatalities and injuries and how creating a safe work culture can reduce that number.
Background
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an international celebration towards raising public awareness of occupational health and safety.
The campaign was first introduced in 2003 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to reduce the alarming number of work-related accidents and illnesses.
Held on the 28th of April every year, the event is supported by the ILO itself, the United Nations, and many other countries, including Australia.
The True Cost of Unsafe Work Environment
Everyone in the workplace is responsible for preventing and treating injuries while on the job, but we can
do much more.
In Australia, millions of working days are lost due to work-related illness and injury and a total loss of $60 billion as a result. Extended work absences, loss of productivity, and increased risk to health and safety are some factors that also contribute to these numbers.
Aside from the economic burden, millions of people die worldwide from occupational hazards and diseases. The ILO estimates around 2.3 million deaths from a work accidents, equating to up to 6,000 deaths per day.
The human and economic consequences of poor occupational health and safety are on the rise.
Therefore, it is essential to remind the importance of having safe and healthy working conditions – which is a responsibility of us all.
Emerging Risks at Works
New and emerging work-related risks may be due to technological innovation or changes within the social or organisational environment.
These include the following:
- Emerging new technologies and production processes (nanotechnology, biotechnology, etc.)
- New working conditions (such as additional workloads, work intensification from lack of staffing, poor working conditions, jobs within the informal economy)
- Emerging forms of employment (such as self-employment, outsourcing, temporary contracts)
Aside from these emerging risks, others can be influenced by changes in perception about the importance of certain factors. These include the effects of work-related stress on work performance, the ergonomic risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and more.
History from past workplace crises can be of vital importance as it can help prevent and control outbreaks.
Adequate and efficient health and safety measures at work can help contain the spread of any diseases while protecting the workers and everyone at large.
Leaders, managers, and workers all have a role to play in battling workplace crises. Collaboration and training are the keys.
Safety Training for the Workplace
First Aid Pro helps businesses and organisations, both small and large, focus on the difference that helps create industry-leading safety solutions.
The experts at First Aid Pro deliver high quality, reliable training courses across different professions and industries. Our flexible training solutions are designed to meet corporate guidelines and stay within the budget.
Create a safer workplace with our variety of group first aid training. Train your employees in First Aid, CPR, Basic Life Support, Mental health first aid, Advanced Resuscitation, and more.
Learn how we can deliver first aid training to your team.
Visit our group first aid courses or contact us at courses@firstaidpro.com.au
Be Part of World Day Safety and Health at Work
We are a constant advocate for health, safety, and security in the workplace. We believe that accidents and diseases are preventable by adhering to the golden rules and learning first aid. Join us and make an effort to eliminate work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities this World Day Safety and Health at Work.
