Romania, #IWMD21

April 28, 2021-International Day of Health and Safety in Work (SSM)

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us once again the shortcomings of the safety and health system in work in hospitals and social care centers in Romania.

On the occasion of the International Day of SSM, the International Labour Organization (ILO) calls for resilient safety and health systems capable of dealing with future crises. Better national health and safety policies in work, institutional and regulatory frameworks that are integrated into a strong and coherent response to crises of any nature that may occur, the ILO report said on the occasion to this day.

′′ Since the pandemic started, workers in specific sectors such as health and social care have been particularly vulnerable to the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. According to data quoted in the Report, worldwide, around 7.000 workers Healthcare workers have died since the outbreak of the crisis, while 136 million health and social care workers are at risk of contracting COVID-19 at work.

The pressures and risks facing health care workers during the pandemic have also affected their mental health: one in five health workers globally reported symptoms of depression and anxiety ′′ the ILO release said. (source: https://www.ilo.org/…/news/WCMS_783121/lang–en/index.htm)

The health crisis we have been experiencing for over a year has emphasized all the fragilities of the safety and health system in work from public health and social care institutions in Romania.

When we talk about safety and health rules in work, we don’t just mean protective materials and equipment – combinations, masks, gloves or disinfectants!

There are plenty of other risks, from exposure to dangerous materials, biological agents or radiation, to the least recognised as professional stress, harassment or bullying.

The government and employers are obliged to provide employees with normal conditions for decent work, to comply with the legislation and protocols regarding the SSM, whether the professional activity is under normal conditions, or we function in crisis!

Because the price of ignoring the safety and health rules in work is measured including in lost lives!