It is important to reduce work-related fatalities and injuries, and establish health and safety as integral elements of workplace culture and practices.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) initiated a significant step in 2003 to enhance Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) globally. By emphasizing the prevention of workplace accidents and diseases, the ILO has reinforced the importance of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental worker's right.
The annual observance of the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers on April 28th serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by workers globally and the ongoing struggle for safer work conditions. This day not only honours those who have suffered in the course of their employment but also acts as a catalyst to elevate the political profile of OSH and promote a culture of prevention.
The World Day for "Safety and Health at Work, on April 28th" is a key component of this effort, aiming to reduce work-related fatalities and injuries, and establish health and safety as integral elements of workplace culture and practices. Through these observances, the ILO and the Trade Union movement strive to ensure that every worker benefits from safe and dignified working conditions.
The emergence of new working conditions, propelled by advancements in technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, present new challenges. These include increased workloads, adverse conditions related to work migration, intensification of work due to downsizing, employment in the informal sector, and new forms of employment such as self-employment, temporary contracts and outsourcing. Recognizing these changes is vital, especially considering the impact of ergonomic risks on musculoskeletal disorders and the effects of psychosocial factors on work-related stress.
This year, the theme of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is “the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health”. The ILO report sheds light on concerning statistics: approximately 1.6 billion workers are exposed to UV radiation, resulting in over 18,960 work-related deaths annually from non-melanoma skin cancer. Additionally, an alarming number of outdoor workers, around 1.6 billion, face exposure to workplace air pollution, contributing up to 860,000 work-related deaths each year. These figures underscore the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to address occupational safety and health issues, especially in the face of climate change impacts.
In 2016, researchers Schulte & Chun developed a conceptual framework to identify various climate-related occupation hazards and their effects on workers. These hazards encompass:
Increased ambient temperatures,
- Air pollution,
- Ozone depletion leading to increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
- Extreme weather,
- Vector-borne diseases/expanded habitats,
- Hazards caused by industrial transitions and emerging green industries (solar and wind energy production),
- Hazards caused by changes in the built environment,
- Mental health issues (anxiety, stress, substance abuse), and finally,
- Economic burden.
At DNV, an independent risk management company, safeguarding life, property, and the environment has been our consistent goal since inception. This purpose aligns with this year’s theme “the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health". We offer a wide portfolio of services to help you to address these workplace challenges. Our services offerings in the India and Middle East region cater to various industries like Metals & Mining, Hospitality, Logistics, Pharma. FMCG, and more. The services offered are:
- Safety Asurance
- Fire and Life Safety & Electrical Safety
- Safety Culture Assessment & Contractor Project Safety
- PSM Services: HAZOP, HAZID & QRA
- Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomic studies
- Safety _Classroom, Virtual & E-Learning
- Energy Advisory and Assessment Services
- ISRS 9
To know more, book a meeting with us now.
