Origins and purpose of the date
The observance is linked to International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, promoted by the trade union movement since 1996. In 2003, the ILO joined the campaign at the request of trade unions and began observing World Day.
Remembering victims and preventing further harm are compatible aims. The date does not automatically recognise companies with no recorded accidents, nor does it replace their responsibilities throughout the rest of the year.
Who can take part
The ILO approaches the date through social dialogue. Authorities, employers’ organisations, trade unions, professionals and workplaces can participate. Within a company, it is useful to include those who perform the tasks and understand everyday difficulties.
Consultation and participation help select a relevant issue. A campaign decided solely by the communications team may reach people while overlooking exposures or problems that concern the workforce.
Choosing a useful activity
A practical approach is to start with a real finding: a poorly managed task, an outstanding measure or a recurring question. The activity might involve observing work with the team, practising a procedure or checking a previously implemented improvement.
Before preparing posters or sessions, define what needs to change, who is involved and what decision is required. A specific objective helps determine the format and avoids accumulating messages that are difficult to apply.
Preparing the day and its follow-up
A simple proposal identifies the topic, people involved, resources, person responsible and review date. Participation by different shifts, sites and groups should be planned so that the activity is not limited to those able to attend a meeting.
Any proposals that emerge should enter the relevant preventive action plan. Subsequently communicating what has been done, what remains outstanding and why helps maintain trust in the process.
What to check after 28 April
Attendance or views describe reach, but do not in themselves demonstrate a reduction in risk. It is more useful to check whether the measure was implemented, whether people can apply it and whether the situation that prompted the activity has improved.
OSH indicators should match the chosen objective. For the origins, approach and official materials, consult the ILO and distinguish each annual edition from permanent content.
Hypothetical example: reviewing a shared task
A company identifies difficulties in communicating faults between shifts. On 28 April, it brings team representatives together and reviews a fictional case without disclosing personal data. They agree who receives the report and what check allows the equipment to be used again.
A month later, they check whether the process works. The day’s contribution is the improvement agreed and verified; the number of event photographs cannot assess that outcome.
