At least 136 million healthcare and social care workers (HCSCW) are at risk of being infected with Covid-19 due to poor occupational safety and health (OSH) infrastructure, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO).
In its statement for the World Day for Safety and Health and Work, the labor arm of the United Nation stressed the importance of OSH systems to minimize the risk of health care workers HCSCW from being infected during the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
It noted at least 7,000 HCSCWs already died since the onset of the pandemic last year.
“The health and care sectors many other workplaces have been sources of Covid-19 outbreaks, when staff are in closed environments or spend time in close proximity with each other, including in shared accommodation or transport,” ILO said.
ILO pointed out such risk could be reduced through the appropriate OSH policies,.
The compliance by the private sector to such policies could be encouraged through incentives such as the Covid-19 Response Award implemented by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) last year.
The award recognized employers, who successfully stopped the spread of virus in workplaces.
Aside from physical risks, ILO also raised concern on how the pandemic, also took its toll on the mental health of workers by causing work-related anxiety.
Such pressure is more apparent among healthcare workers and those engaged in teleworking.
“The International labour standards (ILS) offer specific guidance on how to respond to these challenges, thereby reducing the risk of virus transmission in the workplace,” ILO said.
Read full article on BusinessMirror
