This year, Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day is observed on May 10, which is the Wednesday of the first complete week of May. North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is observed. It is a day to recognise the commitment and efforts of health and safety professionals who safeguard people and the workplace from harm and danger. There is an evident need for occupational safety and health professionals in the industrial sector. When working with heavy, fast-moving machinery, disaster is always a step away, and it is always preferable to be safe than sorry. A safety failure will not only affect a single person, but the entire facility or surrounding area where the factory is located. Consequently, a better generation of safety and health professionals is trained and prepared for any eventuality. Nonetheless, safety remains a shared responsibility. Each employee contributes to the larger mission of health and safety.
HISTORY OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DAY
Safety requirements for every occupation are as ancient as the occupations themselves. However, safety was never the top priority in the past. However, the industrial revolution altered everything. As we work with faster machinery, more dangerous chemicals, and larger numbers, the importance of safety has increased relative to the past.
On December 29, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). It was a time when occupational hazards were increasing the mortality rate, and there was a public demand for the bill. Both the government and the private sector attempted to remedy the situation.
Occupational safety and health professionals were developed as a result of various laws. They assumed responsibility for the security of their coworkers and the workplace. In 2006, the American Society of Safety Engineers Board of Directors crowned these efforts by approving the Day.
World Facilities Management Day 2023: Date, History, Things to know
World Lupus Day 2023: Date, History, Important Facts
World Orienteering Day 2023: Date, History, Interesting Facts
5 SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
The fatality rate in the United States.
There are 3,7 deaths per 100,000 workers in the United States due to occupational hazards.
Accidents in the United States.
Accidents on the job occur at a rate of 122 per 10,000 American labourers.
Lost working time
Due to occupational injuries, employees took 1,200,000 hours off work.
Global economy decline
The International Labour Office estimates that work-related incidents cost the global economy $1.25 trillion.
Transportation incidents
With more than 2,100 fatalities, transport incidents have the highest death toll.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 4 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | May 10 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 8 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 7 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 6 | Wednesday |
