Review article
SAFETY IN LIFE AND WORK ENVIRONMENTS – PROMOTION THROUGH POSTAGE STAMPS
Ivo Aščić
; HP-Hrvatska pošta d.d., Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marijan Binički
; HP-Hrvatska pošta d.d., Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The introduction of the postage stamp in mid-19th century for prepaid postal service simplified the complex process of transferring mail and packages within the postal system. In addition to its primary function, the postage stamp assumed over time many different roles. It is a marketing tool, an item for national heritage promotion, a collector’s item, etc. Safety at work, fire safety, traffic safety, environment protection and occupational medicine are very popular subjects used on postage stamps. These stamps are collected by millions of collectors and issued by many stamp issuers wishing to promote the matters of such vital importance in our living and working environments. The World Day of Safety and Health at Work, Fire-Fighters’ Olympics, The World Day of Environment Protection, office ergonomics, traffic safety (mandatory use of helmet, first aid, observing traffic signs) and many other themes have found a place on postage stamps of reputable world postal authorities in the USA, Great Britain, The United Nations, The Vatican, Brazil, Canada, Australia and many others. Croatia’s postal services operator that, according to the Postal Services Act, is the only entity authorized for issuing postage stamps, has from 1991 to the present issued a number of stamps printed in large editions of over million items with motifs of life and work safety. Perhaps the most famous is the stamp commemorating the “Day of the White Cane” which won the prestigious cultural award in the international competition in Asiago in 2007. Unlike other marketing media, the postage stamp on a letter or postcard enters most homes all over the world and is an important tool in familiarizing people with a certain area of interest, such as safety and health at work. The postal channel is the only form of communication reaching most of the world's population. The letter with a postage stamp is far from becoming a thing of the past, despite other, more sophisticated means of communication.
Keywords
postage stamp; safety and protection; promotion; marketing medium
Hrčak ID:
79192
URI
Publication date:
30.3.2012.
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