Department of Employment and Labour commemorates World Day of Safety and Health

Banner of the National Department of Labour together with the South African flag

25 April 2024

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch will spearhead the commemoration of World Day of Safety and Health, on 29 April 2024 in Polokwane, Limpopo Province South Africa.

The commemoration, which is internationally observed is held annually on 28 April. The day is celebrated in remembrance of all the injured and diseased workers as well as those who have fallen as a result of exposure to hazardous conditions in the workplace. Held under the global theme “Impact of Climate Change on Occupational Health and Safety at Work”, the campaign is meant to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.

The event directs attention to workplace role players such as organized labour, employers as well as government representatives alike. The occasion will highlight the magnitude of the occupational health and safety problem as well as means and ways of promoting and creating a safety and health culture that can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.

The choice of the theme is influenced by incidents resulting from climate change that are enhancing the severity of hazards to the health of workers. An example is the rising greenhouse gas concentration that results in changing and extreme temperatures, and other life-threatening weather events which affect workers' health and safety.

Among the dignitaries who will grace the event is Minister of Employment and Labour, T.W. Nxesi, who will deliver the keynote address; his Deputy Minister, Boitumelo Moloi; and the Inspector General accompanied by senior managers.

The media is invited to attend and cover the event which will be held as follows:

Date: 29 April 2024

Time: 08:00 for 09:00 (South African Time)

Venue: Bolivia Lodge, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

For more information and RSVP contact:

Mapula Tloubatla

Provincial Communication Officer: Limpopo Province

060 989 7509 or Mapula.tloubatla@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour