#SafeDay2023 #WorldWHSDay2023

 

Since 2003, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) observes World Day to emphasise the prevention of accidents and diseases at work. The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed on 28 April to promote the importance of a safety and health culture to help reduce the number of work-related accidents and injuries. The theme for this year is a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.

 

Responsibility

We are all responsible and can all take action to improve health and safety in the workplace. This includes workers, leaders, and people with influence over health and safety.

Governments

Are responsible for putting infrastructure (laws and services) in place to ensure workers remain employable and that businesses flourish. This could include national policy and a system of inspection to enforce compliance with workplace safety and health legislation and policy.

Employers

Are responsible for ensuring the working environment is safe and healthy. This means adhering to workplace safety and health legislation and policy, ensuring workplaces are hygienic and free from germs, and having programs to support workers’ mental and emotional well-being too.

Workers

Are responsible for working safely, following company and industry guidelines and government policy, to protect themselves and not endanger others. It’s also important for workers to understand their rights in the workplace and participate in the implementation of prevention measures.

 

We have learned from past crises that workplaces can be vital to the prevention and control of outbreaks. Proper health and safety measures in the workplace can play a vital role in containing the spread of disease while protecting working and the wider community. Governments, employers, and workers all had, and continue to have, a role to play in tackling the COVID-19 crisis. Their collaboration is key.

 

Workplace Hazards

Hazards in the workplace could be a number of things, not necessarily all physical. Different workplaces and industries will have different hazards to be aware of.

Physical Hazards

A non-exhaustive list of physical hazards could include sharp objects, moving parts (from cogs to conveyer belts and Forklifts), wet floors, electrical sockets, and heavy items.

Biological Hazards

Biological hazards include harmful bacteria, viruses, and poisons in the workplace. It could also be illnesses such as influenza, and in recent times, COVID-19. Depending on your workplace, biological hazards could also include toxic pants, illnesses carried by animals, outbreaks of illness in early childhood education facilities, and illnesses in healthcare facilities. Using the correct products and having personal and workplace hygiene procedures will help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and illnesses.

 

Psychological Hazards

Encompasses mental and emotional health. Physiological hazards could be feeling of job uncertainty, working excessive hours which could lead to burnout, workplace bullying and harassment, and poor job harmony. An EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) can go a long way in helping workers feel supported and have someone to talk to. Regular check-ins with managers and workers are also important to keep on top of any issues that may be arising with unsustainable workloads and job satisfaction.

 

We can all commit to making even one change and take one specific action to improve the health and safety of our workplace to the benefit of ourselves, colleagues, friends, family, and wider communities. So, on this World Day for Safety and Health at Work, what will you do to ensure you’re part of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work?