As we observe the World Day for Safety and Health this week, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for every worker.
This year's theme, 'A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work', highlights the critical role of workplace safety and health as a basic human right.
The Covid-19 pandemic has further emphasised the need for safe and healthy working conditions. The pandemic has put workers at risk, and those in essential services have been particularly vulnerable.
The impact of the pandemic has highlighted the need for more comprehensive and resilient Occupational Safety and Health systems that are adaptable and responsive to the changing work environment.
A safe and healthy working environment is not just a fundamental right; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable economic and social development.
Workers are the backbone of any economy, and their well-being is crucial for economic growth and social stability.
A safe and healthy working environment leads to improved productivity, higher job satisfaction, and increased motivation, which ultimately translates into better economic outcomes.
Employers have a vital role to play in ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. They must ensure that workers have access to the necessary training, equipment, and resources to do their job safely.
Employers must also establish and enforce workplace policies that prioritise the safety and health of their workers.
Governments have an important role to play in creating and enforcing OSH laws and regulations. They must ensure that employers comply with these laws and that workers have access to justice and remedies when their rights are violated.
Governments should also invest in OSH research to better understand the risks associated with different types of work and ensure that OSH policies and practices are based on the best available evidence.
In conclusion, as we mark the World Day for Safety and Health, let us reflect on the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
We must work together, employers, workers and governments, to ensure that every workplace is safe and healthy. This is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical component of sustainable economic and social development.
Public communications officer
