Inspired by the ILO centenary and discussions on the future of work, the world day this year attempts to take stock of a 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 World Day celebration on 28 April 2019 will be only the beginning of worldwide events and activities to continue throughout the rest of the year.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention.
India Inc observes World Safety Day with special initiatives
Vodafone Idea, through its health safety and wellness (HSW) programme, is reminding its employees on primarily electrical safety, height work and road safety.
Corporates are taking up various initiatives related to safety and wellness to mark World Safety Day
To foster a safe work environment, Vodafone Idea, through its health safety and wellness (HSW) programme, is reminding its employees on primarily electrical safety, height work and road safety.
“We are committed to achieving the highest standards in HSW, aiming to provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for employees, associates, customers, partners, contractors, etc,” said a Vodafone Idea spokesperson.
The Company’s HSW (Health, Safety and Well being) policies for employees are amongst the best in the industry. Absolutes Safety rules (ASR) has been developed for health & safety. These ASR rules are not only for health & safety at work place but also to be implemented at home. These rules primarily focus on three key risks- Electrical safety, Height Work & Road Safety.
Abbot Nationwide awareness
Global healthcare company Abbott has undertaken a nationwide awareness road safety drive across clinics and hospitals around the country.
Through this drive, called ‘Police Yourself’, Abbott is aiming at calling about 80,000 doctors and through them reaching out to about 8 lakh people. “Through this drive, we aim to sensitise people on the leading causes of road accidents and call upon them to pledge their commitment towards safe driving by following easy, actionable steps,” said Abbott India regional HR director, Ajay Bhatt.
Abbott’s field force will spend the entire day to promote awareness on road safety. The company’s all-field sales employees, through an internal training programme, are trained in two-wheeler safety and defensive driving. “This knowledge that resides with them will be effectively leveraged to spread awareness about road safety,” said Bhatt.
ZS – ‘Wellness for Impact’ programme
ZS, a US-based global sales and marketing consultancy firm with over 2,400 employees in India, has rewarded employees who successfully follow a fitness and wellness regime. The company had launched the ‘Wellness for Impact’ programme to ensure holistic and sustainable wellness for its employees. Under this programme, participants set their own personalised fitness goal and worked towards this.
Tips to help you stay healthy and safe while at work
Reducing the risks of injury and illness at work can immensely benefit the workers and organisations alike. Remember, effective coordination among people – in both management and staff on the floor – is one of the keys to a successful workplace. It is important that every employee knows and adheres to safety standards. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe while at work:
- Identifying the risks or particular hazards and opportunities for improvement.
- Taking steps that can reduce your risk of work-related injury or diseases – this may include knowing the correct way of using tools and machines such as earplugs, safety googles, gloves or full-face mask.
- Reporting unsafe behaviours or conditions to your supervisor.
- If your tasks require handling heavy loads, try using mechanical aids whenever possible while also keeping in mind the proper lifting techniques.
- Maintaining right posture, especially if you have a desk job, to protect your back and avoid other health problems.
- Taking regular breaks to help you stay fresh at work and avoid being burned out tired.
- Managing workplace stress, which can lead to sleeping difficulties, depression and other mental health issues.
- Knowing your rights at work – making yourself well-informed about workplace safety issues.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It has been observed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 2003. According to the ILO website, every year, some two million men and women lose their lives through accidents and diseases linked to work.
Source: https://www.un.org/en/events/safeworkday/
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
