World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022 and Workers' Memorial Day fall every year on 28 April. This observance offers workplaces a chance to raise awareness of workplace health and safety, while also honouring those who lost their lives on the job.

Latest Safe Work Australia figures show a total of 194 workers were killed at work in 2020. "Any workplace fatality is tragic and unacceptable," Safe Work Australia said.

Why This Day Matters for Workplace Management

"By raising awareness of the importance of health and safety in the workplace, Australian workplaces can implement an effective and preventative approach to work health and safety and ultimately save lives," the organisation noted.

"We encourage everyone to recognise the importance of health and safety in the workplace by promoting World Day and Workers' Memorial Day on 28 April 2022."

2022 Theme: Building a Positive Safety Culture

This year's theme is 'Act together to build a positive safety and health culture'. Strong management commitment underpins any lasting safety culture, since leadership sets the tone for how teams approach daily risks.

Effective management practices should extend beyond physical hazards to cover psychosocial hazards as well. Recognising psychosocial risks alongside traditional dangers helps management build a more complete picture of workplace wellbeing, supporting workers who face pressure, fatigue, or bullying alongside conventional safety concerns.

Practical Steps for Safety Management in 2022

Organisations preparing for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022 should consider reviewing their existing management systems and updating relevant Work Health and Safety Manual documentation. A robust management framework typically includes:

• Clear policies addressing both physical and psychosocial hazards
• Regular management reviews of incident data and near-miss reports
• Accessible resources for workers to report concerns safely
• Leadership training focused on positive safety culture

Businesses seeking additional Work Health & Safety Policy resources can strengthen their management approach ahead of this year's commemoration. Small organisations, in particular, benefit from structured guidance—see our related piece on work health and safety fundamentals for small businesses for practical management tips.

Other states have also taken up the call to action—read how SA workplaces are promoting World Day for Safety at Work and Workers' Memorial Day 2022, or explore recognition opportunities through the 2022 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards.

For organisations wanting a broader management system overhaul, our Work Health, Safety & Environmental Management System offers comprehensive guidance covering both physical and psychosocial hazards across an entire organisation.

Read the full story on the Safe Work Australia website, and stay tuned for details on the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 promotion, plus upcoming events like the Workplace Health and Safety Show.