Did you know? Every 15 seconds, a death occurs at work, either because of an accident or health issues at Work. World Day for Safety and Health at Work helps promote safety of people at workplaces.
This year, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has set the theme for this day involving the role of AI and digitalisation at work. Since, digitalisation and automation are taking over the world by increasing efficiency and productivity — the tasks requiring heavy labour or working in toxic hazardous environments can be eliminated through robotic automation, reducing the need of manual workforce. Let’s explore the particulars of the day in detail.
History of World Safety Day
The Occupational Safety and Health Convention was adopted by ILO on 28th April, 1971. And in 2003, World Day for Safety and Health at Work came into existence. The basic aim of the day is to shed some light on workplace safety and the steps we can take to make our work environments safer and healthier.
Also Read: National Safety Day: जानिए इतिहास, महत्व, थीम और उद्देश्य
The goal is simple but crucial—to prevent occupational accidents and diseases, and to create a global culture that values safety and well-being at work. This day also brings attention to the importance of strong health and safety policies in reducing the number of injuries and lives lost every year due to unsafe work conditions.
Significance of World Safety Day
- As the global population continues to grow, the demand for a capable workforce is rising too. And amid this rapid pace, it’s important to remember that every worker, regardless of their role, deserves a safe and healthy work environment.
- According to the WHO, nearly 60% of the world’s population is actively engaged in some form of work. That’s a huge number, which only highlights how essential it is to get workplace safety right. (Source: WHO)
- To keep up with changing times, it’s vital to upgrade work-safety policies and blend them with evolving technologies to create room for meaningful improvements.
- We also need to take conscious steps to protect the physical and mental well-being of workers and foster an environment where they feel socially supported and connected at work.
- As per data from WHO and ILO, around 1.88 million deaths were reported in 2016 due to work-related injuries and diseases. (Source: WHO)
- That’s a reminder why prevention should be a top priority especially in today’s world, where mental health in many corporate spaces is hanging by a thread.
- The situation is even more serious for laborers working under harsh, toxic conditions without proper equipment. That’s where thoughtful policies, regular health checkups, supportive workplace culture, and preventive care come into play — they create a much-needed safety net.
World Safety Day 2025 Theme
World Day for Safety and Health at Work Theme: ‘Revolutionizing Health & Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work’.
As we’re heading in 2025, The growing innovations in automations and AI allow us to solve big problems like automating industrial complexity, automating repetitive work, using robotic help for working in toxic environments and the list keeps going.
Technology’s assistance is greatly helpful in ensuring safety among workers and avoiding accidents. By replacing workers with machines in toxic environments which can be dangerous for their health in the long term. These machines can be automated from a distance at comfort.
World Safety Day 2025 Events
An online LIVE conference on Work Safety Day Campaign by International Labour Organization (ILO) will be conducted on 28th April on their official website and would be streamed on their social media handles as well. The details of the event as per your time zone is available here.
World Day for Safety and Health At Work Quotes
- “Prepare and Prevent, don’t repair and repent”
- “Safety First is Safety Always”
- “Safety does not come with luck. It has to be prepared”
- “Luck runs out, but safety is good for life”
World Day for Safety and Health At Work Activities
The following activities are widely performed at workplaces:
- At some workplaces, a holiday is planned for workers and staff to commemorate the day.
- At educational institutions, awareness related to safety is given, or related drawing or GK competition is organised.
- Various other activities like posters, drawing and quizzes are organised to make students engaged.
- Annual events are organised by ILO in order to raise awareness among people related to safety at work. People participate in these events.
- Theme based awareness is given every year to highlight various aspects one by one.
- At some workplaces, safety audits are conducted while some give training related to safety measures at the workplace.
Redefining Labour: Challenges of Tech-Driven Safety
As much as these new technological advancements are tempting— they also bring a lot of trouble. With robots taking over the repetitive and maintenance tasks, unpredictable malfunctions and chances of cyber-attacks also pose new challenges.
Additionally, becoming too dependent on automation might reduce essential human supervision, which can increase the chances of accidents. Constant digital connectivity and algorithm-based workloads may also fuel stress, fatigue, and mental health concerns among employees.
Real-World Applications: Case Studies
Since we’ve discussed the application and how technological advancements have helped us in paving our way to better work-safety environment, the following innovation will help us understand the use of technology and innovation in enhancing extra control over safety.
Factories in Germany using AI to reduce machine-related injuries
An early warning system that prevents incorrect posture and lifting techniques during individual manual handling tasks in a warehouse. It also warns against the signs of excessive strain— hence avoiding any possibilities for injury of fatigue. (Source: GermanBionic)
Construction with AR-assisted helmets for workers
Researchers have developed a smart helmet which is equipped with sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to monitor the physical conditions of workers in realtime. These helmets can detect health hazards and send real-time updates to the supervisor which can help in preventing serious accidents due to physical exhaustion or fatigue. Countries like the US, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea are already partnering with companies to make use of this technology. (Source: IJNRD)
Beyond the Hustle and Bustle of Worklife
Technological advancements can ensure safety and good health at work but life’s bigger picture i.e., ultimate safety comes by understanding a deeper purpose of our existence. Innovations and technological advancements can reduce accidents and ensure safety but it cannot offer protection to all the predestined hardships. The true worship granted by Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj offers complete protection from every problem of our life.
The biggest suffering attached to our souls is the suffering of birth and death, pushing us into 8.4 million animal life forms. Imagine being a stray dog for a single day, even imagining it is tough, and in the absence of true worship to God Kabir, these hardships are surely going to fall upon us even if we don’t recognise it now.
Read the book ‘Gyan Ganga’ written by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj by ordering it for free from www.jagatgururampalji.org. You can also watch His spiritual sermons at ‘Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’ youtube channel.
World Safety Day FAQs
Why is World Safety Day celebrated?
World Safety Day Day is celebrated to encourage companies to practice safety and look after the health of employees at workplaces.
What is the theme of World Safety Day 2025?
The theme for World Safety Day at Work 2025 is ‘Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work’.
What is the best slogan for Safety?
“Work Safe, Go Home Safe”
What is the world day on April 28?
World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
