April 28 is the International Day for Safety and Health at Work. This day was established by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2003 to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for workers worldwide.
This date was chosen to honor the victims of occupational accidents and diseases. On April 28, 1971, an explosion occurred in a mine in Farmington, West Virginia (USA), killing 78 miners. This tragic event drew attention to the need to improve working conditions and safety in the workplace.
THE ORIGIN OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES
The measures arose in response to the terrible working conditions experienced by workers during the Industrial Revolution. From this date on, they were improved through union struggles and labor laws. As awareness of these problems grew, international organizations dedicated to protecting workers around the world were created.
Occupational health and safety measures arose due to the terrible working conditions and accidents that occurred at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America. With the increase in factory production, machines, and production processes became increasingly dangerous for workers, who often worked long hours in unhealthy conditions without protection. The need to protect workers from these hazards became evident with the increasing number of work-related accidents and illnesses.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries…
Workers began to organize into unions to fight for better working conditions and fair wages. These struggles led to the enactment of the first labor laws establishing minimum workplace safety requirements, as well as minimum working hours and minimum wages.
In the United States, the first example of workplace safety legislation was the Massachusetts Factory Act, passed in 1877, which required factories to install guardrails and guards for dangerous machinery, as well as to reduce the workday to 10 hours for women and children. In Europe, the first workplace safety law was enacted in the United Kingdom in 1833, which regulated the age of children working in factories and established some safety measures.
As awareness grew, international organizations dedicated to the protection of workers were created, such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), which was founded in 1919 and is dedicated to setting international labor standards and promoting social justice worldwide.
WHY IS INTERNATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY DAY IMPORTANT?
- Safety and health are fundamental rights: all workers have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. This day reminds us that these rights must be respected and protected by employers and governments.
- Prevention of accidents and occupational diseases: this day is an opportunity to focus attention on the prevention of work-related accidents and illnesses. Preventive measures can reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses, which improves the quality of life for teams.
- Productivity and efficiency: healthy and safe workforces are happier. They also feel more productive and efficient in their jobs. By promoting a safe environment, everyone is better able to perform their jobs, thereby increasing a sense of pride and improving self-esteem.
- Social responsibility: companies have a social responsibility to protect the health and well-being of their workers. Occupational Health Day is an opportunity to remember that corporations must comply with rules and regulations related to health and safety in the workplace. Also, remind them that it is a duty to work to constantly improve the working conditions of their employees.