World Day for Safety and Health at Work

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an international observance sanctioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to raise awareness about workplace safety and health issues. The aim of the day is to focus global attention on the magnitude of accidents, injuries, and diseases that occur at work, thereby promoting a safety culture to minimize and prevent occupational hazards. This observance holds special relevance given the emerging trends in the global economy that often result in poor work conditions and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

In India, the recognition of World Day for Safety and Health at Work is relatively recent, beginning from the early 2000s. It has acquired significant meaning due to the unique employment landscape of the country, in which a substantial population is engaged in manual labor in unorganized and often, precarious sectors like construction, agriculture, and small-scale industries. These sectors present various safety and health risks, demanding the urgent necessity for interventions promoting better work conditions, education, and regulations in the workplace.

In observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, various activities are hosted across India, ranging from workshops and campaigns to seminars focusing on the importance of occupational safety and health standards. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in these events. They serve as a platform to share best practices, strategies, and reinforce the commitment towards providing safe and healthy workplaces. The observance takes place annually on 28th April, a date which sends a clear message, driving the importance of health and safety at work not just within the organized but also the unorganized sectors of India.