World Day for Safety and Health at Work: History, Evolution and Relevance Today
Every 28 April is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, a key date to raise awareness about the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases worldwide.
This day, promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), aims to highlight the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments for all workers.
Origin and significance
World Day for Safety and Health at Work was officially established in 2003 by the ILO, although its roots go back to the 1980s when occupational health awareness campaigns began to be promoted. The choice of 28 April is no coincidence; this date coincides with the International Day of Remembrance for Dead and Injured Workers, an event promoted by the global trade union movement to honour those who have lost their lives or have been affected by accidents at work.
Evolution over the years
Since its official establishment, the commemoration has evolved significantly. In its first editions, the main focus was on raising awareness of the importance of implementing preventive measures in high-risk work environments. Over time, however, the focus has broadened to include the promotion of a culture of prevention across all work sectors.
Technological progress and globalisation have also influenced the way safety at work is perceived. Today, issues such as digitalisation, teleworking, emotional well-being of employees and protection against emerging risks have entered the discussion on occupational safety and health.
Relevance today
Today, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a reminder of the constant need to improve working conditions around the world. According to ILO data, more than 2.3 million people die each year due to work-related accidents or diseases, demonstrating the urgency of making further progress in protecting workers.
Companies have a responsibility to provide safe conditions and adequate equipment to protect their employees. In industrial sectors, construction, or any other environment where risks are high, the use of quality safety footwear is essential to prevent accidents and minimise injuries in the event of incidents.
The Importance of Safety Footwear
In the case of Fal Seguridad, the manufacture of specialised footwear for work protection becomes a fundamental part of this global awareness framework. Innovation in materials, ergonomic design and advanced protection technology are key to offering workers maximum safety in their daily lives.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work reminds us of the importance of moving towards safer and healthier working environments. Prevention is the key to protecting the lives of millions of workers around the world, and the proper use of protective equipment such as safety footwear is an essential tool in that process.
At Fal Seguridad, we remain committed to protecting those who face occupational hazards every day, offering solutions that combine technology, comfort and safety. Because prevention is the best insurance.