COVID-19 prevention and control in workplace has genuinely become the main topic of the 2020 World Day for Safety and Health at Work. As countries and societies struggle to prevent and control COVID-19, mitigating its impact on hard hit areas and sustaining the declining rates in others, the workplace remains one of the most important places of focus. In addition to healthcare workers, there are many other types of workers who are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection through their work, usually from being in close proximity to members of the public.
Lockdowns provide temporary relief and give time to government, public health authorities and employers to think of the next “smart measures”. Upon returning to the much-needed professional activities, it becomes mandatory to take measures that protect the health of the employees, family members and entire communities. Beyond the immediate crisis, there are also concerns about resuming activity in a manner that sustains progress made in suppressing transmission.
Safety and Health at Work has always been high on the m4h agenda. M4h contributes to, stimulates national dialogue and provides support to organisations and national partners at all levels concerning safety and health at work in COVID times. We work with organisations in addressing immediate, medium and long-term support, including recovery and future preparedness, in particular, integrating measures into OSH management systems and policies at the national levels.
With the support of DEG, m4h is supporting companies across industries and hospitals in their COVID-19 response at the workplace and in bringing their operations back to scale while safeguarding the health of their employees, clients and community.
To this extent, our work revolves around:
- Strengthening and complementing the national public health response in controlling the spread and human impact of Covid-19 in workplace and community.
- Supporting hospitals and organisations in addressing the immediate challenges that Covid-19 represents to frontline health workers and workforce.
- Supporting organisations in creating detailed workplace plans on COVID-19 preparedness and on return to providing routine services as the virus evolves.
