The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual event celebrated worldwide on the 28th April to promote prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.
It is also an opportunity to turn the attention of countries and leaders to the magnitude of the problem and how promoting and creating safety and health cultures lead to a reduction in workplace accidents and illnesses.
This year’s theme follows the ground-breaking recognition of Occupational Safety and Health as a fifth category of fundamental principles and rights at work under the International Labour Organization framework, ‘A Safe and Healthy Working Environment. A fundamental Right’.
To commemorate this important day the Ministry in collaboration with the Red Cross Society and Accident Compensation Corporation carried out first aid training for businesses in the big island of Savaii.
This has been a recurring initiative by the Ministry given the high demand and in line with key principles of OSH preparedness and capacity building. The training was held at Le Rosalote Guest Fales from the 17th-21st April 2023, and included 3 Refresher course participants and 34 new trainees from various businesses across Savaii.
Activities to commemorate World Day for Safety and Health will continue this week with presentations from members of the National OSH Taskforce to selected workplaces, promotional spots delivered through national media and will culminate with a special address by the Honourable Minister for Commerce Industry and Labour, Honourable Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo on the 28th April 2023.
The Ministry also acknowledges the continued support of the International Labour Organization and Accident Compensation Corporation in continuing to strengthen work safety and health with strategic guidance from the Samoa National Tripartite Forum and National OSH Taskforce.