World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Did you know that approximately 340 million occupational accidents occur worldwide each year, many of which are fatal?

And when we consider that these are only the officially reported cases, we can assume the actual number is even higher. Even though we are now in 2023, one would expect that health and safety at work is a given.

Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. That’s why the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 (as designated by the International Labour Organization) is dedicated to preventing accidents and occupational diseases caused by or within the work environment. The goal is to ensure a healthy and safe workplace, a right that should be guaranteed for everyone.

How is workers’ health and safety ensured in our country?

In Greece, legislation on Occupational Health & Safety was enacted through Article 1 of Law 3850/2010 (Government Gazette A’ 84). It covers both general and specific occupational hazards in the workplace and applies to all businesses in the private and public sectors. This legal change was necessary and aimed at reducing the number of workplace accidents.

There are numerous conditions and causes that may lead to occupational accidents. For example, risks may arise from falls, explosions or fires, toxic substance leaks, noise pollution, and many others. To protect workers, the legislation sets out rights and obligations that must be followed by both employers and employees.

For instance, in certain workplaces, specialized personnel such as a safety technician must be present. This person is responsible for inspecting and reporting on the equipment workers need to stay safe, as well as on the general condition of the infrastructure and facilities.

How are self-employed professionals informed?

Self-employed professionals also need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and they should stay informed about what is necessary for their specific field. For more specialized information, you can consult the free interactive workplace risk assessment tool developed by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. It is an excellent resource, and we will dedicate a separate article to it in the future.

In order to reduce the risks of workplace accidents, special garments and accessories have been developed to protect those who wear them. These are now widely known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is categorized based on the part of the body it protects, the type of hazards it defends against, and the type of garment or accessory. To learn more, you can refer to our PPE guide [here].

In short, PPE must always be certified by international bodies in accordance with European Standards (which also apply in Greece) and be of high quality, to ensure their effectiveness.

For legal information regarding occupational health and safety in Greece, including specific standards that PPE must meet, you can contact the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (ELINYAE).

What is Axion Cotton’s role in occupational health and safety?

Axion Cotton is a fully Greek-owned company and holds a leading position in the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), always in compliance with the latest European Standards.

For us, the safety and protection of workers both within our own company and those of the businesses we serve is a top priority and a daily commitment.

Our experienced sales team, equipped with specialized skills, is always available to help you choose the PPE that best suits your needs.

If you’d like us to recommend practical solutions tailored to your business, feel free to contact us.

And remember: No piece of protective equipment costs more than a human life!