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 draws attention to the collective and individual responsibility of governments, employers, and workers to maintain and improve occupational safety and health. It advocates for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, emphasizes the role of OH (occupational health) systems, and highlights the importance of a healthy work culture in promoting the wellbeing of the working population.

The origin of World Day for Safety and Health at Work traces back to 2003 when the ILO initiated a global strategy to improve occupational health and safety. For Canadians, the Day typically holds additional significance as it is observed concurrently with the National Day of Mourning, honoring workers who lost their lives from work-related accidents and diseases. Employers and workers in Canada, therefore, equally participate in taking preventive steps to avoid accidents, for the promotion of wellbeing at work. They aim to contribute to the reduction of occupational injuries and diseases, as per the global goal set by the ILO.

In Canada, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed in various ways. Organizations, employer groups, and trade unions engage in numerous activities such as workplace safety demonstrations, promotional campaigns, discussions, and training on health and safety. It provides an opportunity to reinforce the critical role safety plays in preventing mishaps and enhancing productivity at work. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on April 28, underpinning the serious commitment Canada has to fostering a safe and healthy workplace environment for all.

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.
• Memorialization is an important aspect of the day for Canada, and the day often incorporates events meant to remember and honour those workers who have been killed, injured, or who have suffered from illnesses caused by workplace-related hazards. In fact, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is held in conjunction with Workers' Memorial Day in Canada to remember those who have been affected by workplace accidents and illnesses.
• Under Canadian law, every worker is entitled to three basic rights: the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse.

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

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Attend virtual seminars, workshops, and conferences on occupational health and safety organized by different Canadian organizations and agencies like Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), etc.
• Visit Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) to learn about their campaigns and advocacy for workers' rights, especially during the pandemic.