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

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 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 world battles a pandemic.

“In face of an infectious disease outbreak, how we protect our workers w clearly dictates how safe our communities are, and how resilient our businesses will be, as this pandemic evolves,” ILO chief said in a statement.

UN labour ncy emphasised that all employers need to carry out risk assessments and ensure ir workplaces meet strict occupational safety and health criteria beforehand, to minimize risk to workers of exposure to COVID-19. It added that countries face “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 lives of workers, ir families and larger communities, ensure work continuity and ecomic survival,” said Ryder.

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Highlighting needs of most vulnerable workers, ILO said that measures to protect m 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 Adham Ghebreyesus called on all countries to assure well-defined, decent and safe working conditions for all health workers. WHO Director-General said in a statement that COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted urgent need for strong national programmes to protect health and safety of health workers, medical professionals, emergency responders, and many or workers risking ir lives.

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

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(Im: Twitter / @ilo)