As the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) announces on the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, this year's focus is on why a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental right and the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases is of crucial importance. The annual action day on 28 April aims to raise global awareness of the need for occupational safety and health promotion in the workplace.
According to the BMAS, the safety and health of employees is not only a moral obligation but also a fundamental human right. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has enshrined this right in its core labour standards. A safe and healthy working environment is the basis for productive and sustainable work, the ministry states. Without it, neither economic success nor social progress is permanently possible.
The BMAS points out that despite significant progress in recent decades, millions of occupational accidents and diseases are still recorded worldwide. In Germany alone, around 860,000 notifiable occupational accidents were counted in 2023, according to the accident statistics of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). In addition, there are thousands of cases of occupational diseases, which often only break out after years of exposure.
Prevention is therefore at the centre of German occupational safety policy, emphasises the BMAS. This includes technical, organisational and personnel-related measures aimed at identifying and eliminating hazards at an early stage. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) obliges employers to carry out a risk assessment and take protective measures based on it. Employees are also required to comply with safety regulations and participate in instruction.
A particular focus is on mental health. As the BMAS reports, psychological stress in the workplace has increased in recent years. According to the health report of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), the number of days of absence due to mental illness rose to around 138 days per 1,000 insured persons in 2023. The ministry is therefore promoting programmes for workplace health promotion and stress prevention.
The World Day is also intended to strengthen cooperation between the social partners, accident insurance institutions and state supervisory authorities. Only through joint commitment can the goal of a zero-accident culture be achieved, says the BMAS. In Germany, the action day is accompanied by numerous events, including conferences, seminars and activities in companies.
The BMAS also points to the importance of the European Union (EU) for occupational safety. The EU directives on safety and health at work set minimum standards that are implemented in national law. Germany is committed to further developing these standards and promoting a preventive culture throughout Europe.
Source: www.bmas.de
