Each year the International Labour Organisation (ILO) marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28th April. This annual campaign is to promote health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace. This year, the theme is inspired by the ILO centenary anniversary and discussions on the future. The campaign takes stock of 100 years of work in improving occupational safety and health and looks to the future for continuing these efforts through major changes such as technology, demographics, sustainable development including climate change and changes in work organization. 

The United Kingdom has a good reputation for workplace safety, with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) providing a solid foundation for organisations and businesses to build their safety culture and protect employees from harm. With the UK being a founding member of the ILO, Kentec Training is fully supportive of the ILO’s promotion of this day, highlighting the fact 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases, as well as 374 million workers who suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents. Any prominent campaign which can promote safety in the workplace, will encourage those to promote a positive safety culture within their organisation is beneficial. 

Whilst the occupational health and safety challenges may differ between developing countries and those with already established legislation and enforcement, the ethos is the same - that everyone deserves and has a right to carry out their role free from harm, with the correct information, instruction and training to enable them to protect both themselves and others. The human-centered approach to health and safety requires investment in people's capabilities and skill sets, empowering and supporting them through their job role. 

The International Labour Organisation have released 33 original and exclusive think pieces to discuss and provide an open forum for some of the occupational health and safety issues that could be faced in the future.

For more information, visit the ILO's website here.