World Day for Safety and Health at Work: 28 April 2024

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 explores safe and healthy working environments as a fundamental principle and right at work.

The day, which is observed each year on 28 April, helps to raise awareness around the prevention of occupational accidents and ill health globally.

Background of World Day for Safety and Health at Work:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) started the initiative in 2003 to promote safe and healthy work across the world. Each year, it focuses on creating and upkeeping a safety and health culture can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries that happen at work.

In June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) decided to include ‘a safe and healthy working environment’ in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.

Because of this, the ILO will celebrate this decision on 28 April 2024. Here, experts and constituents will come together to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this right within workplaces.

This year, the theme is exploring the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health. Changing weather patterns have notable impacts on the world of work, and particularly affects the safety and health of workers. Examples of occupational risks exacerbated by climate change include excessive heat, UV radiation, air pollution, major industrial accidents, extreme weather events, an increase in vector-borne diseases, as well as increased exposure to chemicals.

Why Health and Safety is Important:

For some businesses, health and safety is viewed as an expense and a hindrance.

However, employers should not lose sight of why workplace health and safety is so important. The below figures are taken from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published data for Great Britain (2022/23).

• 135 workers killed at work
• 1.8 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, of which:
  • 875,000 workers suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety
  • 473,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder
• 2,268 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2020)
• 561,000 injuries occurred at work according to the Labour Force Survey
• 60,645 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
• 35.2 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
• £20.7 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2019/20)

These figures greatly highlight the need to effectively manage health and safety in the workplace. In addition, it also shows why annual days such as World Day for Safety and Health at Work are required to effectively raise awareness around this topic.

THSP’s Own Initiative:

At THSP, we fully support the ILO’s promotion of this day. Our ethos is to help businesses build a stronger, safer, and engaged workplace, ensuring the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases at workplaces.

With our service, you can be assured that you are on the right path to managing your risks and futureproofing your business for success.

We are offering a fantastic bundle deal to celebrate the day, until the end of May you can claim a discounted site visit for £200 as well as a FREE training  place on a THSP led course of your choice with every site visit booked!* All you have to do is contact us quoting the voucher reference SAFETYDAY2024.

*Terms & Conditions apply. New Customers only. Course must be ran by THSP – no external places will be offered. Certificate and registration fees will apply for CITB courses. Offer ends 31st May 2024