World Day for Safety and Health at Work: Tips for a healthier, secure environment at workplace

New Delhi: It's traumatic, but about 6,300 people die every day as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases - which is more than 2.3 million deaths per year, as per the UN data.

Also, some 317 million accidents occur on the job annually, many of these resulting in extended absences from work.

The UN data urges for the need to ensure a healthier and secure environment at workplaces by employers and organisations – private as well as public.

The human cost of this daily adversity is vast and the economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4% of global Gross Domestic Product each year.

Reducing the risks of injury and illness at work can immensely benefit the workers and organisations alike. Remember, effective coordination among people – in both management and staff on the floor - is one of the keys to a successful workplace. It is important that every employee knows and adheres to safety standards. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe while at work:

• Identifying the risks or particular hazards and opportunities for improvement.
• Taking steps that can reduce your risk of work-related injury or diseases - this may include knowing the correct way of using tools and machines such as earplugs, safety googles, gloves or full-face mask.
• Reporting unsafe behaviours or conditions to your supervisor.
• If your tasks require handling heavy loads, try using mechanical aids whenever possible while also keeping in mind the proper lifting techniques.
• Maintaining right posture, especially if you have a desk job, to protect your back and avoid other health problems.
• Taking regular breaks to help you stay fresh at work and avoid being burned out tired.
• Managing workplace stress, which can lead to sleeping difficulties, depression and other mental health issues.
• Knowing your rights at work – making yourself well-informed about workplace safety issues.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) celebrates the World Day for Safety and Health at Work , which is held on 28 April each year since 2003. The main idea of the event is to promote safe, healthy and decent working environment. The day also promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.

The theme for this year's World Day for Safety and Health at Work is 'optimize the collection and use of OSH data'. It focuses on the critical need for countries to improve their capacity to collect and utilise reliable occupational safety and health (OSH) data.