World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on 28 April

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was observed by The International Labour Organization (ILO) on 28 April 2019. It is observed annually since 2003, as an international awareness-raising campaign to focus international attention on emerging trends in fields of occupational safety and health and on magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

• It is an integral part of Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health of ILO, as documented in Conclusions of International Labour Conference in 2003.
• It aims to promote prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
• The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2019 edition is Inspired by ILO’s centenary (1919-2019), and attempts to take stock of its 100 years of work in improving occupational safety and health. It also looks into future for continuing these efforts by major changes such as technology (digitalisation and ICT, platform work, automation and robotics), demographics, globalization, sustainable development including climate change and changes in work organization.

According to ILO, a national occupational safety and health culture is where-

1. Employees right to safe and healthy working environment is respected throughtout levels.
2. A system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, is used by governments, employers and workers to actively participate in securing safe and healthy working environment.
3. ‘Principle Of Prevention’ is accorded highest priority

International Labour Organization (ILO)

It is the only tripartite U.N. agency, established in 1919 as an agency of the League of Nations. With 187 member States, it is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
It brings together governments, employers and workers of its members to set labour standards, make policies and develop programmes which will promote decent work opportunities for all women and men. Its principal means of action is to set up International standards in form of Conventions, Recommendations and Protocol. Till date India has ratified 45 Conventions, of which 42 are in force. India is a founding member of ILO.
Note: Since 1996, 28 April is also observed as ‘International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers’ organized worldwide by trade union movement.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2019