World Day for Safety and Health at Work 28 April
In 2003, the International Labour Organization (ILO), began to observe World Day in order to stress the prevention of accidents and diseases at work.
The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on the magnitude of the problem and on how promoting and creating a safety and health culture can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
World Day presents us with an opportunity to reflect on how we can prevent work related fatalities, injuries, and illness. It underscores the need for preventative measures to ensure the health safety and well-being of every person at the workplace.
This year, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) theme explores the ‘Impacts of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health and accompanying World Day, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) theme for Workers’ Memorial Day is ‘climate risks for workers.
Current Statistics
According to Safe Work Australia’s preliminary estimate as of 27 March 2024, 24 workers have lost their lives in Australian workplace incidents. In 2023, a total of 175 workers died in workplace incidents. Over the past five years, the average number of worker fatalities stands at 180 workers.
Resources and further information:
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia (click here for fatalities data information from Safe Work Australia)
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) (click here for resources from ACTU)
Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033 (click here for information from Safe Work Australia)
As Manal Azzi quotes in the above video.