IOSH is encouraging members to support two annual global events, which serve as a reminder of the importance of the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession in protecting workers.

On International Workers’ Memorial Day, organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), we remember all those who have tragically lost their lives at work.

Thursday 28 April also marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work, an International Labour Organization (ILO) initiative to raise awareness of actions to keep workers safe.

Each year, the organisers choose a different focus. For 2022, the ITUC’s call is to make health and safety at work a fundamental principle and right.

And the ILO is urging us to act together to build a positive safety and health culture.

Activities include an ILO webinar, with IOSH’s Head of Health and Safety Ruth Wilkinson among the panellists.

She said: “Global figures of work-related diseases and injuries are concerning, with millions of workers impacted every year by occupational injuries or diseases caused by workplace hazards and poor OSH.

“One death is too many, so to resolve this dramatic situation, proactive OSH and preventive measures need to be prioritised.

“This 28 April is a unique opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the urgent need for developing capacities on safety and health for protecting workers from future pandemics, hazards, illnesses and traditional and emerging risks.

“At a time when the ongoing universal post Covid-19 recovery effort has highlighted the importance of strengthening the coherence between human rights and OSH standards, IOSH advocates for worker health and safety to be recognised as a fundamental human right.”

Register for the ILO webinar and read IOSH’s policy position on OSH as a fundamental right.

Catch the wave of social sustainability

On this important and appropriate occasion, IOSH will host its fifth Catch the Wave webinar: OSH reporting – what next for sustainability? The series has so far addressed why OSH and wellbeing are at the foundation of socially sustainable business.

Hosted by IOSH Vice-President Stuart Hughes, panellists will discuss and debate how to embed important principles practically into organisations’ sustainability programmes.

Join IOSH for the webinar and read more about International Workers’ Memorial Day and World Day for Safety and Health at Work.