The International Labour Organization warns that without adequate safeguards for returning workers there could be a second wave of the virus.<\/p>\n
Press release | 28 April 2020<\/p>\n
All employers need to carry out risk assessments and ensure their workplaces meet strict occupational safety and health criteria beforehand, to minimize the risk to workers of exposure to COVID-19, says the ILO.<\/p>\n
Without such controls, countries face the very real risk of a resurgence of the virus. Putting in place the necessary measures will minimize the risk of a second wave of contagion contracted at the workplace.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the face of an infectious disease outbreak, how we protect our workers now clearly dictates how safe our communities are, and how resilient our businesses will be, as this pandemic evolves.”<\/p>\n
Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe safety and health of our entire workforce is paramount today. In the face of an infectious disease outbreak, how we protect our workers now clearly dictates how safe our communities are, and how resilient our businesses will be, as this pandemic evolves,\u201d said the Director-General of the ILO, Guy Ryder.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is only by implementing occupational safety and health measures that we can protect the lives of workers, their families and the larger communities, ensure work continuity and economic survival,\u201d Ryder added.<\/p>\n In particular, risk control measures should be specifically adapted to the needs of workers at the frontline of the pandemic. These include health workers, nurses, doctors and emergency workers, as well as those in food retail and cleaning services.<\/p>\n The ILO also highlighted the needs of the most vulnerable workers and businesses, in particular those in the informal economy, migrant and domestic workers. Measures to protect these workers should include \u2013 among others \u2013 education and training on safe and healthy work practices, free provision of PPE as needed, access to public health services and livelihood alternatives.<\/p>\n \u201cOn World Day for Safety and Health at Work, I call on all countries to assure well-defined, decent and safe working conditions for all health workers.”<\/p>\n Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for strong national programmes to protect the health and safety of health workers, medical professionals, emergency responders, and the many other workers risking their lives on our behalf,\u201d said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. \u201cOn World Day for Safety and Health at Work, I call on all countries to assure well-defined, decent and safe working conditions for all health workers.”<\/p>\n To ensure a safe return to work and to avoid further work disruptions, the ILO recommends:<\/p>\n – Reducing physical interactions between workers, contractors, customers and visitors and respecting physical distancing when any interactions occur.\n
\n– Improving ventilation in the workplace.
\n– Regularly cleaning surfaces, ensuring workplaces are clean and hygienic, and providing adequate facilities for handwashing and sanitization.<\/p>\n\n