April 28 — World Labor Protection Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year, on April 28, Russia and other countries celebrate World Occupational Safety Day, dedicated to workplace safety. In 2025, it falls on a Monday. Read about the history and traditions of the holiday in the Izvestia article.

World Labor Protection Day in 2025: the history of the holiday

The forerunner of the World Day of Occupational Safety and Health can be considered the Memorial Day of Dead Workers, first held by trade union organizations in the USA and Canada on April 28, 1989. In this way, the organizers paid tribute to those who died or were seriously injured while performing their professional duties. They also called on employers to improve working conditions and reduce risks for employees, especially in dangerous enterprises.

In 1996, the International Labour Organization (ILO) launched an initiative to establish a World Day for Occupational Safety and Health at the official level. However, the corresponding holiday appeared in the calendar only in 2003. Today it is celebrated in 175 countries, including Russia.

Every year, the ILO announces the theme of World Occupational Safety Day. In 2025, it reads as follows: "Revolutionary approaches to occupational safety and health: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the workplace." The campaign will examine the use of the latest technologies in manufacturing (neural networks, exoskeletons, robots, drones, etc.) and their impact on occupational safety. The ILO experts will also pay attention to modern ways of organizing the work process.: automation, intelligent digital systems, etc.

Traditions of the World Labor Protection Day on April 28

The holiday is aimed at drawing public attention to issues of respect for workers' rights, as well as ensuring safe conditions for all employees, regardless of their position, field of activity, salary or place of residence. According to the ILO, more than 2 million people die and are seriously injured each year as a result of accidents at work. Therefore, most of the thematic events are aimed at reducing injuries among employees.

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More than a third turn out to be active participants at least once a month.

Traditionally, on April 28, lectures, seminars, round tables and conferences are held on occupational safety at enterprises, offices, budget institutions, cafes, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers — wherever the strict supervision of occupational safety specialists is required. Experts make presentations and propose solutions to existing issues. Employers provide employees with safety briefings, emergency training, first aid workshops, etc.

Trade unions organize rallies in support of workers' rights and explain their labor rights to people. Commemorative events are also held at memorials dedicated to deceased workers, such as miners.

Since 2015, the All-Russian Occupational Safety Week has been held in our country. In 2025, it will be held from September 15 to 18.

Occupational safety in Russia

In Russia, labor protection issues are regulated by the Labor Code. According to this document, the employer is obliged to ensure safe working conditions, while employees must follow the safety requirements without exposing themselves and colleagues to unjustified risks.

Employees have the right to participate in the organization of occupational safety at the workplace, as well as to undergo the necessary training and receive full information about work-related risks and ways to prevent emergencies. They can refuse to comply with the requirements of the employer, which endanger their life and health, and then receive protection from illegal actions that followed the refusal (dismissal, withdrawal of bonuses, etc.).

At the same time, employees are required to comply with safety regulations, undergo training in occupational safety and cooperate with management in matters related to occupational safety. Employees also have the responsibility to maintain order in the workplace.

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The order of the Ministry of Labor came into force on February 17

In turn, employers must provide employees with high-quality personal protective equipment, work clothes, shoes, detergents and disinfectants at their own expense. They should also arrange regular medical check-ups for employees whose activities involve difficult, harmful or dangerous working conditions.

In addition, the head is obliged to provide subordinates with a decent workplace: to provide them with a clean room, serviceable appliances, comfortable furniture, access to bathrooms, etc.

Failure to comply with legal labor protection requirements can result in serious penalties for the employer in the form of fines of up to 150,000 rubles, disqualification (removal from office), suspension of activities and other unpleasant consequences.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of celebrating Shift Worker's Day.