World Day for Health & Safety at Work is celebrated annually on April 28th to highlight and promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. This campaign sheds light on how creating a safe work environment can help reduce the number of work-related injuries, and even death.
April 28th happens to also be International Worker’s Memorial Day (IWMD). A day dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job or experienced any work-related incident.
“Employers must do everything in their power to prevent any work-related injuries from happening. Having the right policies and procedures in place will help keep staff and businesses protected” says Michelle Ann Zoleta Health & Safety Advice Manager at Peninsula Canada.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2022, there were 993 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 33 young workers aged 15-24.
In addition to those fatalities, there was also 348,747 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease.
It’s important to implement comprehensive safety protocols. Employers must establish and enforce safety protocols tailored to the work environment. This can include conducting risk assessments and providing the necessary safety training.
Depending on the job, staff must be equipped with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes helmets, gloves, and goggles, where applicable. It’s important to also regularly assess and update PPE to align with industry standards.
Protecting the mental health of staff is crucial. Low productivity in the workplace plays a significant role in the level of success of a business. It can lead to low profitability, poor staff morale, a high level of disengagement, and a lack of creativity.
Prioritize creating an open work environment where employees feel empowered to report or raise a concern. Implement a transparent process for addressing them.
Employers should continuously invest in training programs to enhance employees’ awareness of health and safety practices, keep them informed about safety hazards and evolving risks and regularly assess the effectiveness of health and safety measures through feedback mechanisms and incident reporting. Use those insights to make continuous improvements.
By prioritizing safety and health in the workplace, employers not only protect their employees, but also contribute to building a resilient and sustainable workforce.
