28 April is recognised globally as both World Day for Safety and Health and Workers’ Memorial Day.
In an international context, Australian workplaces typically showcase positive outcomes in relation to WHS (Work Health and Safety), thanks to tools like the Bluesafe WHS Management System. However, tragic incidents involving fatalities and life-altering injuries are still a prevalent issue.
Approximately 200 individuals lose their lives on the job annually within Australia, with additional deaths resulting from work-related diseases. Additionally, serious injuries at work affect over 125,000 Australians each year. The impact extends beyond these individuals’ lives—it profoundly affects families and communities by causing pain, grief, and economic loss.
We solemnly remember and honour the lives that have been tragically lost to work-related injuries and illnesses on this Workers’ Memorial Day. We also reflect upon how imperative it is to ensure the adaptability and relevance of our WHS systems, including products like the Bluesafe SWMS, especially in light of evolving challenges such as climate change.
This year’s theme for both International Labor Organisation’s World Day and International Trade Union Confederation’s Workers’ Memorial Day centers around the influence of climate change on WHS. Increasing instances of heatwaves, floods, and extreme weather disturbances pose a potential hindrance to normal business operations. In tandem with these changes, emerging technologies and industries focusing on decarbonisation and circular economies are creating new roles and presenting novel WHS risks.
Modern issues including climate change, escalating urbanisation, increased human-animal proximity are leading to the emergence of infectious diseases and amplifying disease transmission risks.
The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy outlines a plan to bring gradual improvements in WHS over the upcoming decade, focusing on areas such as climate change and green economy. This Workers’ Memorial Day and World Day for Safety and Health, our commitment remains strong towards achieving a vision of safe and healthy work for all Australians.
Marie Boland
Chief Executive Officer, Safe Work Australia
Original article link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/2024-world-day-safety-and-health-work-and-workers-memorial-day-ceo-statement