28 April is World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 – an annual occasion to promote the global prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 60% of the global population is engaged in work, and it is a fundamental right of all workers to have a safe and healthy environment. Given that so much of the general public’s lives are spent in the workplace, it is imperative that more awareness be paid to the still abundant shortcomings in the workplace safety measures put in place to protect workers in the UK and globally.
Occupational health is often an umbrella term that covers the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers while preventing workplace-related hazards. In 2016, the International Labour Organization and WHO estimated that work-related diseases and injuries still resulted in 1.88 million deaths.
Hazards can also lead to occupational diseases that greatly impact a worker’s ability to participate in the workforce, resulting in increased rates of long-term illness. Health and safety also encompass more than physical injuries and illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, highlighted the crucial need to address mental health issues in the workplace.
According to ILO:
- 93 million workers still die each year as a result of work-related factors.
- 395 million workers worldwide still sustain a non-fatal work injury each year
- 41 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat each year
- 361 billion could be saved globally by implementing improved safety and health measures to prevent injuries from excessive heat in the workplace
More statistics on safety and health at work here.
A safe and healthy working environment supports mental health. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety still vastly impact productivity and performance, resulting in an estimated economic cost of US$1 trillion annually. Work Safety and Health Day recognises the vital importance of early detection of health issues, further health screening, and preventive care to help contribute to increased health awareness for workers.
The 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work will explore the topic of “Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work”. The theme will foremostly focus on how new technologies (including AI and digital tools) are transforming the workplace and how they impact safety and health.
The International Labour Organization chose this theme to highlight the evolving nature of workplace safety, the need to understand how these complex new technologies could improve workers’ well-being, and the potential risks they may pose.
Key Aspects for Safeday 2025
- Impacts on workers: This year’s theme examines how new technologies can affect workers’ safety and health, including potential physical, mental, and social impacts.
- Promoting a culture of safety: This year will focus on encouraging organisations and individuals to actively promote and maintain the highest physical, mental, and social well-being of workers.
- Digital transformation of work: exploring how digital technologies, including AI, are changing how people work, from automation of tasks to remote work in virtual reality.
In an online article for WHO, Saima Wazed, Regional Director for South-East Asia, wrote, “The need for creating positive healthy workplaces is self-evident. The returns of such endeavours positively impact businesses, organizations and societies collectively, and people individually.”
Workplace Accident Solicitors
Our team at Bridge McFarland LLP understands the repercussions of workplace accidents on victims and the integral process of helping them pick up the pieces. This is why we remain dedicated to our goal to help as many of those affected receive the full compensation they deserve.
Our experienced workplace accident solicitors can provide specialist advice and guidance if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident at work.
To find out more about making a claim and to receive the support you need, contact Bridge McFarland LLP today by calling 0800 987 8800 or email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
