{"id":4642,"date":"2021-04-26T15:38:52","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T15:38:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/28april.org\/?p=4642"},"modified":"2021-04-26T15:38:52","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T15:38:52","slug":"global-work-should-support-life-not-endanger-it-says-iosh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/28april.org\/?p=4642","title":{"rendered":"Global: “Work should support life \u2013 not endanger it”, says IOSH"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Two annual events taking place on 28 April serve as a reminder of the importance of the occupational safety and health profession in protecting workers.<\/p>\n

On International Workers\u2019 Memorial Day, organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), we remember those who have lost their lives or suffered life-changing injuries or illness at work.<\/p>\n

These tragedies could have been prevented. This is why 28 April also marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which raises awareness of actions to prevent injury and death at work. It is an initiative of the International Labour Organization, which this year is focusing on strategies to strengthen national occupational safety and health systems to build resilience, to face crises now and in the future. IOSH\u2019s response to the Covid-19<\/a> pandemic has highlighted the need for a systematic approach to protecting workers: preparedness is the key to prevention.<\/p>\n

Jimmy Quinn, President of IOSH, said: \u201cOur members \u2013 occupational safety and health professionals \u2013 have had a crucial role in responding to the pandemic. They\u2019ve helped to ensure that safe practices and procedures have been introduced and implemented in the workplace to protect workers, customers and suppliers. If ever there was a time for our members to demonstrate the value of their knowledge, skills and experience, it has been now. IOSH has supported them by producing and sharing up-to-date guidance, continuing to be a trusted and authoritative source of information throughout the pandemic.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYet we also remember that even before the pandemic 2.78 million people were dying each year from work-related illness and injury. These deaths are even more tragic because they are preventable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The following figures from the ITUC show the scale of the challenges in protecting people at work:<\/p>\n