April 28th - World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international event celebrated on April 28th. It’s directed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), day to raise awareness of the importance of preventing occupational accidents and illnesses. Some ILO statistics report nearly 3 million deaths at working 395 million annual injuries. The main purpose of the day is therefore to reduce risks, accidents, injuries and occupational diseases, in favor of workers’ safety. Every year the International Labour Organization selects a specific theme for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The theme for 2024 will focus on exploring the impacts of climate change on safety and health at work.

How does climate change affect the workplace safety?

Extreme weather could lead to higher risk of accidents. Excessive heat could increase the risk of heatstroke, especially for outdoor workers. Exposure to increasing UV radiation could cause skin cancer and eye damage. Poor air quality could elevate the risk of respiratory illnesses. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can influence the dispersion and concentration of chemicals in the air and water, increasing the risk of exposure for workers.

There could be many solutions to improve workers’ condition:

• Improve understanding of security protocols in favor of a safer workplace;
• Make sure that employees are well-prepared for emergencies, by reducing panic and improving overall response times;
• Foster the opened communication about safety, allowing employees to express worries and contribute to safety improvement;
• Provide all safety devices and ensure effective use;
• Make sure that employees follow all the safety rules provided by the company;
• Provide protection equipment against UV radiation and heatstroke;
• Implement sustainable innovations to improve workers’ life quality and safety.

This topic is an essential principle for our company.

Our commitment about this subject entails the production of safe jacks, long tested before leaving the company, and the production of axle stands with mechanical block. Our priority is the safety of workers using the product.  Safety is our top priority especially in the mining sector, where maintenance of vehicles reaching almost 900 metrical tons at full load is carried out.

The second point of the topic of safety and health at work concerns our employees, who are provided with the correct workwear and safety devices appropriate to their job. The safety equipment includes safety footwear, work gloves, chemical protective gloves, ear plugs, breathing masks, safety goggles and visors.

The Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is provided to each employee, in which are explained the behavioral rules to be followed in the event of emergency. Also included is the company's emergency organizational chart, which is very important as it lists the names of all employees who have a role in emergency management. The emergency organizational chart of Cattini Oleopneumatica consists of over 20 employees. 

In addition, the company has a fire-fighting team of 5 employees, a first-aid team of 4 employees and a team of 4 employees trained for the use of the AED, which we have internally. Every year a fire test is carried out to check the employees’ methods and reaction time.

The third point focuses on the specific topic of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work: the climate change and how it impacts on safety and health at work. Also, regarding this topic, we are committed to improve our environmental impact through the photovoltaic system, which convert solar energy into continuous electrical energy: a renewable and clean energy source that does not produce harmful emissions to the environment, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against climate change. All the spaces within the company are air-conditioned and heated to ensure the well-being of all employees, without excessive energy waste thanks to the efficiency of the photovoltaic system.

In conclusion, April 28th is an important day to think about the challenge of safety and health at work and the possible paths of sustainable innovation to improve workers’ quality of life.

We celebrate this day to continue our commitment in create a sustainable future both within and outside the company.