World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Thursday 28^th April is dedicated to being World Day for Safety & Health at Work, an initiative that was set up by The International Labour Organisation (ILO) to promote “safe, healthy and decent work around the globe.”

World Day for Safety & Health at Work is celebrated in multiple countries on the same date in a range of ways including conferences (such as the ILO Conference 2022), collaborations and panel discussions.

Why is this day important?

World Day for Safety & Health at Work has always focused on occupational safety and health and how this has developed over the past 100+ years. As almost 3 million workers die each year from occupational accidents and work related diseases, it is very important that all concerned take steps to prevent against and eliminate where possible these risks.

In addition to health and safety, it is also important that mental health and wellbeing are also classed as priority, as these both play a large part in the overall happiness and productivity of the workforce.

Safety training

There are a range of health and safety training courses relevant to many of the industries concerned; these have been developed to ensure optimal health and safety practices in the workplace and sector. Key courses and schemes include:

There are numerous sectors and industries involved in this campaign including:

CITB Site Safety Scheme – this is tailored towards the Construction industry and encompasses a range of different safety training areas including Health and Safety Awareness, Site Management Safety training and Site Supervisor safety training. There are also course options for those working in specific industries including tunnelling and temporary works.
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) – again dedicated primarily to construction workers (although there are a few courses that go outside of this area such as the Agricultural Tractor training course), these courses are dedicated to ensuring competency and health and safety for those operating different plant machinery in construction, as well as others on site.
NEBOSH – The NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) range of courses are available for those who wish to train in the Health and Safety field, as well as those who need to be aware of health and safety in construction. There are both national (UK) specific courses and international courses; the international course options include the International Oil & Gas Certificate for this sector.
IOSH – IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) courses are highly respected health and safety courses both within the UK and on a global basis. IOSH training focuses on health and safety issues at different levels across the workforce, management and senior executives.
Sector specific health and safety – there are a range of courses aimed at specific sectors such as:
Food & hygiene
Roadworks
Health & First Aid
Waste management
EUSR – specific to the Energy & Utility sectors
Rail industry training courses including LXA, COSS and DCCR
Telecomms safety courses such as overhead safety awareness and underground safety
Water industry safety courses such as safety awareness, control of Legionella and working in confined spaces.

Plant or equipment specific health and safety – there are a range of courses such as:
- Abrasive Wheels (in grinding machines)
- Display screens
- Face Fit training
- Ladder safety
- Scaffolding safety
- High pressure water jets
- PAT testing

Resources