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28 April is celebrated as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work around the globe. As the world combats with COVID-19 and lockdown has been implemented in several countries, addressing the prevention of communicable diseases in the office environment and highlighting the importance of safety and health at work becomes essential. With the current Coronavirus outbreak, governments, organizations, and many private firms are focusing on workplace safety so that such pandemics and infectious diseases can be avoided in the future. So, when did the World Day for Safety and Health at Work start? What can be done to ensure workplace health and safety? Let’s take a look!

Origin of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was first observed on 28 April 2003 by the International Labour Organization (ILS). The day was earlier celebrated as International Workers’ Day for a long time. On the other hand, 28 April is also regarded as the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers since 1996. The purpose behind the day was maintaining workplace safety and the prevention of diseases at the workplace. This meaningful day is nothing but a reminder to make workplace health and safety a priority, something we must consider in the world fighting COVID-19 outbreak.

Here are some of the key points to ensure a safe working environment:

Reduce Workplace Stress

Stress is a common problem among working professionals. This may lead to a wide range of issues such as depression, insomnia, and lack of focus. To maintain good health, take regular breaks, try breathing exercises, and go for a walk.

Practice Physical Distancing

Maintaining a considerable physical distance in a packed office environment is a little challenging. However, as COVID-19 is said to have spread mainly due to close contact from person to person, practicing physical distancing at any public environment is the only way out. For a safe working environment, companies can not only encourage employees to maintain a 6-foot distance from each other but also practice staggering shifts.

Wear Protective Equipment

Masks, goggles, gloves, headscarves – name it anything! But wearing protective equipment is one of the keys to ensure workplace health and safety. If your task involves any kind of physical activity, don’t ignore wearing equipment like a helmet to protect yourself from severe injuries.

Take Care of Personal Hygiene

It can be difficult to keep an eye on everybody for cleanliness, but to minimize the risk of infection; you can surely take care of your personal hygiene. Washing hands regularly, using a good sanitizer, not touching your face frequently, and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing are some of the habits one must adopt for safety and health at work.

Stay Sober at Workplace

Nobody cares what your weekends look like until you’re a sober person during weekdays at your workplace. Several researches show that drugs and alcohol are the top contributing factors to fatalities. You may discover plenty of other ways to bond with your team!

Report Unsafe Environment

If you find anything hazardous or infectious inside the office premise, report it immediately to the supervisor or the concerned authority. Prevention is better than cure, and any step taken at the right time can save many lives.

Keep Yourself Updated

Keep track of what’s happening in your surroundings. Watch the latest news, be alert if there is an infection prevailing in the area around your workplace, and learn how you can keep yourself and your co-workers safe.

At redBus, we know that a healthy and safe working environment is one of the essential things for healthy employees. No matter what your job is, workplace safety is your right. We hope these tips help you stay safe at your workplace whenever the Coronavirus lockdown is over and your offices open. Until then, stay home, stay safe!

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