World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023

Safety Day, also called World Day for Workplace Safety and Health, is observed annually on April 28, with a purpose of encouraging awareness and knowledge regarding the avoidance of occupational accidents and illnesses caused by injuries sustained while working or in the work environment.

Safety Day was founded by the International Labour Organization in 2003 and has since grown to become a global event. It is a vital annual occasion since millions of lives are lost each year as a result of health or safety risks at work, making it critical to promote awareness and educate people about safety standards.

History of World Safety Day

Since 2003, the International Labour Organization has observed World Safety Day, utilising its traditional strengths of tripartism and social dialogue to emphasise the prevention of work-related accidents and illnesses. The celebration is an essential component of the International Labour Organization’s Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health, as confirmed in the International Labour Conference’s June 2003 Conclusions. 

One of the primary pillars of the Global Strategy is advocacy, and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work functions as a significant tool for raising awareness about creating a safe and healthy work environment while also increasing the political visibility of occupational safety and health. Additionally, April 28 is the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, which has been organised globally by the trade union movement since 1996.

Every year, the International Labour Organization chooses the theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work; the theme for 2023 is “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.” The major goal of this day is to look into practical strategies to implement fundamental human rights in businesses around the world.

Important Objectives of World Safety Day 2023

The goal is to raise awareness about creating a happy and healthy work environment and to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries.

To raise awareness and promote the establishment of secure workplace standards

To raise awareness of the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) and its significance in work environments.

To foster a healthy culture and advocate for a work environment that prioritises wellness.