Work Day for Safety and Health at Work

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on 28 April by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and honours workers who died as a result of a work-related injury or illness. The day aims to raise awareness through its campaign to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) worldwide. Every year the campaign continues to grow, with more participants taking the opportunity to improve organisational awareness and knowledge.

With a united goal of preventing and reducing the number of fatalities and injuries in the workplace, safety and health practitioners, participating companies, national authorities, trade unions and employers’ organisations can use the initiative to draw attention to workplace risks.

ILO will launch a global report sharing stories of the past 100 years of reducing fatalities and improving safety and health work environments to mark ILO’s centenary. The report will touch on changes made in different industries including, digitalisation and ICT, platform work, automation and robotics, globalisation, demographics and other major influences. It covers the evolution of safety and health from before the inception of ILO in 1919 and recognises the major turning points that have influenced the field of OSH.

This year's World Day reflects on 100 years of work improving occupational safety and health, and looks to the future of work and OSH.

History of World Day

28 April has been recognised as International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers by the trade union movement since 1966. In 2003, the ILO became involved in the event, capitalising on its strengths and social dialogue. ILO works to promote the shared responsibility of key stakeholders and encourages a preventative safety and health culture within all workplaces.

Get involved

ILO has a suite of resources available for industry use including fact sheets, toolboxes, and historical records. For the list of resources available, visit the International Labour Organisation website.

You can do a number of things to get involved including;

• • Promote World Day for Safety and Health at Work in your workplace

• • Arrange a safety expert to speak in your workplace.