National Web Seminar - In the Face of A Pandemic: Ensuring Safety and Health at Work

Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease in Hubei Province, China to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Two months later, on the 11th March 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic shows once again the crucial role of OSH for Decent Work. Ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy is crucial to contain the spread of the virus, protecting the health of workers and the larger population.

In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, effective occupational preventive and control measures have a positive effect on business continuity and employment. In order to reactivate and continue production, enterprises will need to manage risks to avoid further outbreaks and comply with legal requirements. This may call for special engineering and administrative arrangements (for example, to ensure physical distancing). New workplace outbreaks could lead to additional disruptions with serious effects on the economy and employment.

A pandemic forces governments to make difficult choices, which can have strong repercussions not only on the health sector but also on the economy and labour sectors. Consultation with the social partners is crucial to allow for feasible and realistic implementation of the decisions taken. In addition, governments should consult and coordinate with the technical authorities and experts, including the scientific community at national and international level.

The world of work is being profoundly affected by the global virus pandemic. In addition to the threat to public health, the economic and social disruption threatens the long-term livelihoods and wellbeing of millions. The ILO and its constituents – Governments, workers and employers – will play a crucial role in combating the outbreak, ensuring the safety of individuals and the sustainability of businesses and jobs.

In commemorating the International OSH Day on 28 April, the ILO Jakarta Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower and National OSH Council will organize a Webinar with the theme “Ensuring Safety and Health at the workplace in the Face of Pandemic”. This is also the global theme of the OSH Day 2020.