Advertisement

Updated April 28th, 2020 at 11:52 IST

UN labour agency urges countries to protect workers during and after COVID-19 lockdown

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged States to put necessary measures in place in order to protect workers during and after COVID-19 lockdowns.

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
UN
| Image:self
Advertisement

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged States to put necessary measures in place in order to protect workers during and after COVID-19 lockdowns. On the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder safety and health of our entire workforce is paramount as the world battles a pandemic.

“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,” the ILO chief said in a statement.

The UN labour agency emphasised that 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. It added that countries face the “very real risk” of a resurgence of coronavirus cases if workplaces lack such measures and controls.

“It 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,” said Ryder.

Read: COVID-19 Vaccine Must Be Affordable, Effective & Universally Available, Says UN Chief

Highlighting the needs of the most vulnerable workers, ILO said that measures to protect them should include education and training on safe and healthy work practices, free provision of PPE as needed, access to public health services and livelihood alternatives. It also recommended a reduction in physical interactions between workers, contractors, customers and visitors while respecting physical distancing when any interactions occur.

Read: UN Chief Issues A Three-point Global 'Call To Action' To Cushion Fallout From COVID-19

'Need for strong national programmes'

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on all countries to assure well-defined, decent and safe working conditions for all health workers. The WHO Director-General said in a statement that the 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.

Read: WHO's Emergencies Chief: US 'well-positioned' To Handle Continuing Pandemic

Read: Chile To Issue Certificates To Recovered COVID-19 Patients Despite WHO's Warning

(Image: Twitter / @ilo)

Advertisement

Published April 28th, 2020 at 11:52 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

accident
6 minutes ago
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh
8 minutes ago
BREAKING: Mukhtar Ansari Suffers Heart Attack, Admitted to Hospital in Serious Condition
14 minutes ago
Mukhtar Ansari Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in 1990 Arms Licence Case | Live
15 minutes ago
Mukhtar Ansari Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in 1990 Arms Licence Case | Live
18 minutes ago
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar
19 minutes ago
ED Attack case: Shahjahan Sheikh Sent to Judicial Remand Till April 9
23 minutes ago
Manipur
24 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo