The International Labor Organization (ILO) celebrates World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases worldwide. Also, April 28 is the date chosen by the global trade union movement to pay tribute to the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.

The ILO aims to raise global awareness of the magnitude and consequences of work-related accidents, injuries and diseases by placing workers’ health and safety at the top of international agendas and supporting action at all levels.

Concern is growing over the continuing rise in COVID-19 infections in some parts of the world and the ability to sustain declining rates in other. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 addresses the issue of the infectious disease outbreak at work, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image: Courtesy of the International Labor Organization (ILO)

The aim is to stimulate national tripartite dialogue on safety and health at work. The ILO is using this day to raise awareness on the adoption of safe practices in workplaces and the role that occupational safety and health (OSH) services play. It will also focus on the medium to long-term, including recovery and future preparedness integrating measures into OSH management systems and policies at the national and enterprise levels.

Governments, employers, workers and their organizations face enormous challenges as they try to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and protect safety and health at work. Beyond the immediate crisis, there are also concerns about resuming activity in a manner that sustains progress made in suppressing transmission.

Given this concern, the ILO calls for the adoption of occupational health and safety measures, with the aim of mitigating the spread of a disease and protecting workers and society.

Video: Courtesy of the International Labor Organization (ILO)

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the theme announced for World Health and Safety Day at Work 2020 focused on violence and harassment in the world of work. Information on the replaced subject is available at the following link:

VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT IN THE WORLD OF WORK

If you want more information about the events and activities organized by the ILO in the campaign STOP THE PANDEMIC: SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK CAN SAVE LIVES, click on the link below.

Source: International Labor Organization (ILO)