National Safety Day (NSD) is annually observed across India on 4 March to highlight the significance of safety measures in preventing workplace accidents. The day also encourages a culture of safety in workplaces and stresses the importance of adherence to safety guidelines.
- 4 March also marks the commencement of the National Safety Week Campaign, which is annually observed across India from 4-10 March.
4 March 2024 marks the observance of the 53rd National Safety Day/National Safety Week Campaign.
Theme:
The theme of NSD/National Safety Week Campaign 2024 is “Focus on Safety Leadership for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Excellence”
- The campaign theme emphasises integrating safety practices as a basic component of ESG strategies, promoting responsible and sustainable business conduct.
Background:
i.The National Safety Day/Safety Week Campaign has been spearheaded by the NSC of India since 1971 to mark its Foundation Day (4th March).
ii.In 1972, the NSC commemorated its foundation day by establishing the 1st National Safety Day.
Why March 4?
March 4 marks the foundation day of the National Safety Council (NSC), which was established on 4th March 1966.
- NSC was established by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) to generate, develop, and sustain a voluntary movement on Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) at the national level.
History of National Safety Council (NSC):
i.The 22nd Labour Ministers’ Conference was held in 1962 and recommended convening a conference on “Safety in Factories”.
- It urged consideration for establishing an NSC to lead an accident prevention campaign.
ii.In February 1966, the 24th Session of the Standing Labour Committee accepted the proposal for the constitution of the NSC.
iii.On March 4, 1966, the MoL&E established the NSC as a non-profit, self-financing body.
iv.It is an apex not-for-profit tripartite body, registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and the Bombay Public Trust Act of 1950.
National Safety Week Campaign (March 4-10, 2024):
i.A week-long initiative following NSD aims to deepen understanding and practice of safety measures.
- It also aims to spread safety awareness amongst all employees to make the workplace safer.
ii.Launched in 1972, the National Safety Week Campaign has become a cornerstone for industries, trade unions, government departments, regulatory agencies, NGOs, and institutions.
iii.Supported actively by both Central and State Governments and the media, it has matured into a national movement.
Objectives:
i.Ensure safety and health are integral parts of work culture and lifestyle.
ii.Encourage employees and the general public to renew their commitment to safety and health throughout the year.
iii.Foster increased employee participation in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) activities.
About National Safety Council (NSC):
The Director General is the Chief Executive of the NSC and the Secretary to the Board of Governors.
Director General – Dr. Lalit R Gabhane
Headquarters– Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
