Sunday 28 April 2024 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work (World Day) and Workers' Memorial Day.
Our latest data shows that in 2022, 195 workers in Australia were fatally injured at work. This concerning statistic amplifies the importance of increasing awareness around work health and safety to prevent work-related injuries and fatalities.
The 2024 World Day theme set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) explores the 'impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health'.
Changing weather patterns can create work health and safety (WHS) risks including heat stress, UV radiation, air pollution, major industrial accidents, extreme weather events, an increase in vector-borne diseases and increased exposure to chemicals.
The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy sets a platform for delivering WHS improvements over the next decade, including on emerging issues like climate change and the green economy. This World Day and Worker's Memorial Day, we remain committed to achieving our vision of safe and healthy work for all.
Accompanying World Day, the International Trade Union Confederation's (ITUC) theme for Workers' Memorial Day 2024 is 'climate risks for workers'.
We encourage everyone to recognise the importance of health and safety in the workplace by promoting World Day and acknowledging Workers' Memorial Day on 28 April 2024.
We have developed a range of co-brandable resources you can use in your workplace, including a poster, desktop background and social media tile. We also have a range of practical resources about how to stay safe when working in severe weather.
