The Department of Employment and Labour is bringing together employers, workers and other stakeholders to observe the 2026 World Day for Health and Safety at work.

The Department's Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch will lead the commemoration of the 2026 World Day for Health and Safety at work as part of advocacy initiatives to regularly highlight the plight of the injured and diseased workers, as well as those who have fallen because of exposure to hazardous conditions.

Department of Employment and Labour Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Chief Inspector, Milly Ruiters, reflect that the commemoration is a day for all social partners to do an introspection. Ruiters revealed that the gathering will bring together 500 delegates. 

“We are hosting this day to put the spotlight on OHS at work in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions," she explained. 

World Day for Safety and Health was initiated in 2003 by the United Nations (UN) agency, the International Labour Organization (ILO), to promote and discuss the importance of safe and healthy work environments globally.

The 2026 World Day for Health and Safety at work theme is: “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organization". The International Labour Organization observes the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (OSH Day) on 28 April 2026.

It is observed to promote safe, healthy, and decent work – while also serving to honour victims of occupational accidents and diseases. Led by the ILO, the 2026 campaign focuses on ensuring a healthy psychosocial working environment.

The 2026 commemoration is expected to be addressed by Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, Department of Employment and Labour Inspector General Aggy Moiloa, Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, Department's Acting Director General Jacky Molisane, and Department's OHS Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters.

There will also be speakers from the ILO, senior Departmental officials, Business Unity South Africa, and the country's major labour federations such as Fedusa, Nactu, Saftu, and Cosatu.

Media is invited to attend the commemoration.

Event: World Day for Health and Safety at work

Where: The Arena, Emnotweni Tsogo Sun (Emnotweni Casino), Eastern Blvd, Riverside Park, Mbombela

When: 24 April 2026

Time: 08:00 – 15:00

For media RSVP's, kindly contact: Hlanganisa Mbatha at Hlanganisa.Mbatha@labour.gov.za  /082 757 5265.

The event is also expected to be streamed live at: https://youtube.com/live/vdA9o8j_H_Q?feature=share

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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