A Basic Right, Not A Privilege – Origin, Theme, Significance And More News24 –

Today, April 28, is observed as World Day for Safety and Health at Work every year. This day highlights ways and measures to promote safety and health at the workplace worldwide. Additionally, it serves as an important reminder to employees, employers, and governments that everyone’s well-being in the workplace should be the priority.

Origin And Aim

The idea for this global movement was initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003 with an aim to reduce accidents and work-related illness.

Theme

Every year, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) chooses a new theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work. In 2025, the theme focuses on “Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work”. Today, a live event will take place in Geneva, where ILO constituents and experts from all over the world will unite to discuss AI’s role in evolving Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems.

Significance And Reminder

This special day serves as a pivotal reminder for everyone that safety and health at the workplace are not a privilege but a basic right. Together, we must create a strong system where workers can feel not just safe but honoured and respected.

Recent Example Of Bad Working Condition

A Singapore-based businesswoman recently sparked a live discussion on LinkedIn after sharing a resignation note that she received from an employee. In the post, Angela Yeoh, the director of a Singapore-based firm, shared the brutally honest words written by the employee. – “I felt like toilet paper, used when needed, discarded without a second thought.” The note has probably left a lasting impression on her, thereby highlighting why workplace culture matters.

Loss Of Lives Due To Unsafe Working Conditions

Last year, a 26-year-old woman employed with an accounting firm, Ernst & Young (EY) Pune, tragically lost her life due to work stress. Her mother cited work stress as the reason that led to her death after joining the company. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant from Kerala, had joined EY Pune on 19 March 2024 as Audit & Assurance Executive. Notably, there are many similar examples of deaths due to unsafe working conditions.