April 28th is the International Day for Safety and Health at WorkThis day was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003 to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for workers around the world.
This date was chosen for honoring victims of work accidents and occupational 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 for improved working conditions and workplace safety.
THE ORIGINS OF WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES
These measures arose in response to the terrible working conditions experienced by workers during the Industrial Revolution. Since then, they have been improved through union struggles and labor law. As awareness of these problems has grown, international organizations have been created to protecting workers around the world.
Occupational health and safety measures arose from the terrible working conditions and accidents that occurred at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America. As industrial production increased, machines and production processes became increasingly dangerous for workers, who often toiled long hours in unsanitary conditions and without protection. The need to protect workers from these hazards has become evident with the increasing number of work-related accidents and illnesses.
At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century…
Workers began organizing into unions to fight for better working conditions and fair wages. These struggles led to the enactment of the first labor laws that established minimum workplace safety requirements as well as 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 guards and guards for dangerous machinery, as well as to reduce the working day to 10 hours for women and children. In Europe, the first workplace safety law was enacted in the United Kingdom in 1833. It regulated the age of children working in factories and established certain safety measures.
As awareness grew, international organizations dedicated to worker protection were created, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO)founded in 1919. It is dedicated to establishing international labor standards and promoting social justice throughout the world.
WHY IS INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK IMPORTANT?
- For 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.
- For the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases: This day is an opportunity to focus on the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases. Preventive measures can reduce the number of injuries and diseases in the workplace, which improves the quality of life of teams.
- For productivity and efficiency: Healthy and safe workers are happier. They also feel more productive and effective in their work. By fostering a safe environment, everyone is better able to do their job, which increases pride and improves self esteem.
- For social responsibility: Businesses have a social responsibility to protect the health and well-being of their workers. Healthy Workplace Day is an opportunity to remind businesses that they must comply with the rules and regulations relating to health and safety in the workplace. It is also an opportunity to remind them that they have a duty to work towards the constant improvement of the working conditions of their employees.