Labour Day in Peru: A Call to Celebrate with Safety and Responsibility

Patricia Guillen
May 1
3 min read

Updated: May 2

Why We Celebrate Labour Day

Labor Day is a national holiday celebrated every year in the United States and Canada on the first Monday of September and has revolutionary origins. Worldwide, the date chosen is May 1.

Every May 1st, we celebrate Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) in Peru—a tribute to the historic struggles and achievements of workers who fought for better conditions, dignity, and respect in the workplace. Originating from the global workers' movement and inspired by the events of Chicago in 1886 (Haymarket Riot), this day reminds us of the importance of justice, rights, and equality at work.

In Peru, this date also serves as a chance to consider the progress we've made in occupational health and safety (OSH) and identify areas for further improvement.

Worker in helmet and safety vest adjusts helmet; background shows building. Text: "Feliz Día del Trabajo, 1 Mayo 2025.” Mood is professional. — Happy Labour Day. May 1st.

Chaotic scene of a street protest with a man raising his fist, police officers advancing, and smoke in front of a building. Tense atmosphere. — This image, published in Harper's Weekly on May 15, 1886, shows the events of the Haymarket Riot in Chicago. National Geographic

The Connection Between Labour Day and Workplace Safety

Labour Day is not just a holiday—it’s a symbol of the right to a safe and healthy working environment.

Under Law No. 29783 – Ley de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Peru establishes the obligation of every employer to ensure that all workers are protected against occupational risks. This includes:

Identifying hazards and assessing risks.
Implementing preventive and corrective measures.
Promoting a culture of prevention.

Labour Day invites us to renew our commitment to safety, not only to comply with regulations, but because no job is worth risking a life.

Let's build a future where work empowers, protects, and uplifts instead of injuring, silencing, or limiting.

A look at reported occupational accidents

According to Peru's Computerized System for Notification of Occupational Accidents, Hazardous Incidents and Occupational Diseases - SAT, 3,785 notifications were registered in March 2025. Of this total, 98.34% (3722 cases) corresponds to non-fatal occupational accidents; 0.48% (18 cases) to fatal accidents, 0.98% (37 cases) to dangerous and occupational incidents, and 0.21% (8 cases) to occupational illnesses.

Pie chart showing workplace notifications: 98.34% work accidents, 0.98% dangerous incidents, 0.21% occupational illnesses, 0.48% fatalities. — Pie chart showing workplace notifications in Peru, March 2025: 98.34% work accidents, 0.98% dangerous incidents, 0.21% occupational illnesses, 0.48% fatalities.

This indicates that there is still much work to be done, as it is unacceptable to have experienced 18 deaths from occupational accidents in just one month (March 2025).

In order to successfully celebrate Labor Day, we must reduce these figures to zero, through the support of the safety management system and the full conviction to work on the behavior of workers, supervision, and CEOs.

We must shift our mindset to focus on performing our tasks, not just to comply, but also safely, with quality, and with respect for everyone involved.

The Role of a Safety Management System (SGSST)

Companies must implement and improve their Occupational Health and Safety Management System (SGSST) to honor this day.

According to both Law 29783 and ISO 45001:2018, a safety management system helps organizations:

Identify and control risks.
Prevent incidents and occupational diseases.
Promote worker participation and communication.
Improve productivity through a safe environment.

Continuous improvement is key. Labour Day should encourage every employer and safety professional to ask:

Are we truly protecting our team?
Are we applying prevention, or just reacting to problems?
Are we doing the correct things?

How Can We Improve Our Work Environment?

Here are some actions we can take starting today:

Conduct workplace inspections to detect unsafe conditions.
Train workers regularly on safety procedures and emergency response.
Encourage participation of all employees in safety meetings and risk assessments.
Use artificial intelligence and digital technology in the workplace
Update your hazard identification matrix and monitor compliance.
Measure and evaluate your safety performance regularly.
Create a culture of respect and care where everyone looks out for each other.

Conclusion

Labour Day is a celebration of work, but more importantly, it is a reminder of the human value of each worker. Behind every machine, desk, or construction zone is a life that deserves to be protected.

Let's commemorate May 1st by not only expressing gratitude to workers but also by taking steps to ensure their workplaces are safe, fair, dignified, and accessible for everyone.