Safe Workplaces, Healthy Workers, and a Happy Country

Grand Opening of the 44^th OSH Week Event on July 4

July 27, 2011

“Safe Workplaces, Healthy Workers, and a Happy Country” ? the catch phrase of the 44^th OSH Week

Every day, six workers are killed and 270 others are injured in workplaces ? this is the tragic situation in the Korean workplaces. In fact, Korea ranks one of the lowest in safety ratings among the OECD countries.

* The number of occupational injuries and illnesses: 98,620 (2,200 fatalities)

The economic losses caused by occupational accidents amount to KRW 17.6 trillion. This huge amount is equivalent to the yearly wage of 880,000 new workers who make KRW 20 million per year. The lost work days caused by accidents at work is more than 100 times that caused by strikes and walkouts.

Against the backdrop, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) organize the 44^th OSH Week Event from the 4^th to 8^th of July in COEX, Seoul. This week-long event is aimed at creating a social consensus on the seriousness of accidents at work, while checking the safety status of the Korean society.

▶ In 1968, the Korean government designated the first week of July as the Occupational Safety and Health Week. Since then, the OSH week has been celebrated every year with various programs with the purpose raising the awareness on the importance of the prevention and the seriousness of accidents. This event targets workers, employers, and the general public in order to emphasize the importance of safety and health.   

The catch phrase of this year is “Safe Workplaces, Healthy Workers, and a Happy Country” and the five-day event is filled with activities that encourage people’s participation.

Many events are to be held during the 44^th OSH Week.

The 44^th OSH Week Ceremony ? To recognize and commend the efforts of people working to enhance safety and health

Safety and Health Seminar & Best Practice Presentations of Safety and Health Activities ? To provide the opportunities for presentations and exchanges of information

International Exhibition on Safety and Health ? A chance to introduce the latest devices and products on safety and health

In addition, there are many participatory events offered for the public.

  Safety and Health UCC Show ? An exhibition of UCC made by the general public

  Children’s Song Contest ? A contest for elementary school children

  Safety and Health Poster Drawing Contest

  Safety Culture Essay Competition

  Quiz Contest, etc.

“The OSH Week event is a venue for an exchange of the latest information on safety and health. It will provide a good opportunity for the general public take safety and health to their daily lives and spread the culture of safety and health,” said a KOSHA official.

<The features of the 44^th OSH Week>

□ Goal: “Safe Workplaces, Healthy Workers, and a Happy Country” as the catch phrase, the OSH Week aims to heighten the public participation and attention toward safety and health through various activities.

- For active involvement of the general public: Event zones will be set up within the exhibition hall for UCC Show, Poster drawing contest, special lectures, essay competition, children’s song test, etc. Many fun events are offered for the public to participate in.

- For more participation of SMEs: The presentations of best practices will have two sections, one is for large enterprises and the other is for small- and medium-sized enterprises. By doing so, companies of various sizes will have the opportunities to present their excellent safety and health practices.

- Raising public awareness on safety: KBS-TV program “1vs.100” selected safety and health theme for its special program (to be broadcasted on July 5).

        A special documentary “The story of a family affected by occupational accident” will be broadcasted on July 3.