Minister Idith Alexander’s message on World Day for Safety and Health at Work |28 April 2026

‘Safety at work means protecting both body and mind’

“The Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Planning joins the global community and our social partners in commemorating the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This year’s theme, adopted from the International Labour Organisation, ‘Ensuring a healthy psychosocial working environment’, directly aligns with our national priorities to protect and support the mental well-being of all citizens and workers.

“While workplace safety is often associated with the prevention of physical injuries, this theme highlights the equally critical importance of mental and emotional health. A truly safe workplace is one where every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to perform at their highest potential.

“The preservation of safety at work is a collective responsibility shared by governments, employers, and workers. Factors such as excessive workloads, protracted working hours, and inequitable treatment represent significant psychosocial hazards. Like any occupational risk, these must be identified, assessed, and systematically controlled. If neglected, they can lead to debilitating outcomes, including chronic stress, burnout, and anxiety which diminish individual performance and impact the broader economy.

“We call for a proactive, prevention-focused approach at every level of organisational management. It is essential for employers to adopt deliberate strategies that prioritise job design, workload management, and the cultivation of a respectful professional culture. As for the workers, every individual has a duty to contribute to a positive environment through cooperation, professional respect, and transparent communication.

“In Seychelles, we are committed to modernising our Occupational Safety and Health systems. Our current efforts include comprehensive legislative reviews, strengthened workplace inspection protocols, and an increased focus on emerging psychosocial risks to ensure our workplaces remain responsive to a changing world.

“We mark this important occasion this year amid geopolitical uncertainties. Let us maintain open and transparent dialogue with our workforce to foster a sense of security and trust. It is also opportune for us to renew our collective commitment to safeguarding the physical as well as the mental wellbeing of our entire workforce. After all, a healthy psychosocial environment is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance; it is a fundamental requirement for national productivity, resilience, and sustainable development.

“I wish you a reflective and fruitful commemoration of World Day for Safety and Health at work.”

Idith Alexander

Minister for Employment and Human Resource Planning