Occupational Health and Safety Day 2023: The globe Day for Safety and Health at Work, also known as Occupational Health and Safety Day, is observed annually on April 28 to promote the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses throughout the globe. It is a public awareness campaign intended at attracting international attention to the extent of work-related accidents and how promoting and cultivating a safety and health culture can help reduce the number of workplace deaths and injuries.
HISTORY OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DAY
Occupational safety and health regulation and research are relatively new developments. After the industrial revolution, labour movements emerged in response to worker concerns. In “De Morbis Diatriba,” which was published in 1700, the dangers to employees’ health posed by chemicals, dust, metals, and other disease-causing factors in over 50 different occupations were discussed. Concerns about the poor health of minors working in cotton mills prompted the United Kingdom to pass the Factory Acts in the early 19th century.
The Factory Inspectorate Act of 1833 established a professional inspection service for factories. In 1844, in response to the factory inspectorate’s request, a new law was enacted limiting the number of hours textile industry women could work. Machine guarding was mandated by industry, but only in the textile industry and areas where women and children could be present.
When the findings of a Royal Commission on the working conditions of miners were published in 1840, the dangerous working conditions and high accident rates were made apparent. The 1842 Mines Act was enacted as a consequence of the commission’s public outcry. The statute established a mining inspectorate, resulting in increased prosecutions and security. By 1850, inspectors were permitted to freely access and inspect locations. Otto von Bismarck signed the first worker’s compensation law and the first social insurance law in the Western world in 1883 and 1884, respectively.
HOW TO CELEBRATE WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH DAY
Take part in a workshop.
Under the direction of a qualified expert, organise a workshop focusing on various aspects of occupational health and safety. Try to find a workshop you can attend if you’re unable to obtain one.
Host a themed gathering.
Host a small celebration in honour of the occasion. Include activities that instruct employees on how to work in a secure yet productive environment.
Inform others of the situation
Learn about workplace accident statistics and the significance of health and safety in the workplace. Share this information on social media with the hashtags #WorldDayForSafety, #WorkSafety, and #HealthAndSafety to help raise awareness.
Global Pay It Forward Day 2023: Date, History, Activities and Facts
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WORKPLACE SAFETY
Fines in excess of $1,000
Businesses that violate OSHA regulations face an average fine of $1,028.
Overwork results in injuries.
About a quarter of all occupational injuries are the result of overexertion.
Get fluid for yourself
Each year, businesses lose $12.75 billion due to injuries resulting from pressing, lifting, pulling, carrying, and/or holding.
10% of instances of skin cancer
10% of all cases of cutaneous cancer are attributable to workplace exposure to toxic substances.
6,000 fatal job injuries per day
Every day, 6,000 individuals die from work-related injuries.
WHY OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DAY IS IMPORTANT
It raises consciousness
Occupational Health and Safety Day is a global awareness-raising campaign that highlights the gravity of work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It emphasises the importance of establishing and promoting a culture of health and safety in the workplace.
It prevents avoidable accidents
According to a report, fifty percent of workplace accidents and injuries are readily preventable. A safe and healthy work environment would prevent unwarranted loss of life if appropriate safety measures were implemented.
It increases efficiency
Healthy employees are more productive in the workplace. When occupational health and safety measures are effectively implemented, employees will feel safe and motivated to work because their health and safety will not be compromised.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | April 28 | Friday |
2024 | April 28 | Sunday |
2025 | April 28 | Monday |
2026 | April 28 | Tuesday |
2027 | April 28 | Wednesday |