National Safety Day is annually observed across India on March 4 to raise awareness about the importance of safety and health in the workplace and to promote a culture of safety among the general public.
- 4th March also marks the beginning of the National Safety Week campaign in India.
4th March 2023 marks the observance of the 52nd National Safety Day/ National Safety Week Campaign.
National Safety Week is annually observed across India from March 4-10.
- The theme of National Safety Day/ Week Campaign 2023 is “Our Aim – Zero Harm”.
Aim:
The NSD Campaign aims to support industries and other organisations in promoting safety, health, and well-being as they work to achieve a zero-harm status for their organisation.
Why March 4?
NSD commemorates the establishment of the National Safety Council (NSC) which was founded on 4th March 1966 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) to develop a sustainable Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) movement at the national level.
Background:
i. Since 1971, the National Safety Council (NSC) has headed National Safety Day and National Safety Week to commemorate its Foundation Day (4th March).
- National Safety Day is an initiative started by the MoL&E.
ii. The 1st ever National Safety Day was observed on 4th March 1972.
National Safety Council (NSC)- History:
i. The establishment of the National Safety Council (NSC) was suggested by the 22nd Labour Minister’s Conference in 1962 to improve accident prevention.
ii. In February 1966, the Standing Labour Committee’s 24th session approved the proposal for the constitution of the NSC.
iii. On 4th March 1966, the NSC of India, a non-profit & non–governmental organisation, was established by the MoL&E.
iv. The council was established with an aim of promoting workplace health and safety, reducing accidents, and creating a secure and healthy work environment.
Note:
Goal No. 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which is among the 17 SDGs accepted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), primarily focuses on “Good Health and Well-Being,” and occupational safety and health (OSH).
- NSC aligns its activities towards SDG, through its several initiatives and programs.
Key Points:
i. The National Security Week campaign on Occupational, Safety & Health (OSH) is widely observed by industry, trade unions, Govt. departments, regulatory agencies, NGOs and institutions with the active support of the Central & State Governments and the media.
ii. The Campaign aims to reinforce employees’ commitment and the general public to work safely all year long.
- The day is observed by organizations and institutions across India.
About National Safety Council (NSC):
Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Lalit Gabhane
Headquarters- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment- 1966
