The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 is observed on 28 April to promote the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational diseases worldwide.
The day aims to raise awareness about occupational accidents, diseases, and deaths — and to promote a global culture of prevention over reaction.
It was established by the ILO in 2003 as part of its Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health.
It is concerned about safe work and awareness of the dimensions and consequences of work-related accidents and diseases; to place occupational safety and health (OSH) on the international and national agendas; and to provide support to the national efforts for the improvement of national OSH systems and programmes in line with relevant international labor standards.
It coincides with Workers’ Memorial Day and the Canadian National Day of Mourning.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 Theme

The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 is: “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment”
The aim is to create work environments that not only ensure physical safety but also support employees’ mental health and overall productivity.

History of World Day for Safety and Health at Work:

The origins of this observance can be traced back to 1970 in the United States, when labor groups began marking Workers’ Memorial Day during the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Later, Canadian unions expanded the observance nationwide in 1996.
Recognizing its global importance, the International Labour Organization (ILO) officially established this day in 2003 as part of its Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health.
Historically, the movement for safer working conditions dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when poor working environments led to early labor reforms.
One of the earliest examples is the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act of 1802 in the United Kingdom, which addressed workplace hazards and worker welfare.