Husna, Amity University Kolkata
The COVID-19 pandemic which emerged as a global crisis in early 2020 has touched nearly every aspect of human lives including the working conditions at workplaces. Workers not only have a high risk of getting infected with COVID-19 but they are also exposed to different occupational safety and health (OSH) risks.
To prevent the risk of diseases and accidents at the workplace, World Day for Safety and Health at work is celebrated on the 28th of April worldwide. It was first observed in 2003 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and additionally marks the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers.
Workplaces have vital importance in the prevention and control of outbreaks. Necessary safety and health measures at the workplace have a crucial role in curbing the spread of the disease thus protecting both the workers and society largely.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2021 is an awareness-raising campaign that aims for the well-being of workers by bringing international attention to create a better working environment. It focuses on the magnitude of the problem to prevent diseases and reduce the number of accidents, work-related deaths as well as examine how the current COVID-19 crisis demonstrates the need for strengthening the OSH systems further, at both the national and undertaking level.
Collaboration is the key to tackle any crisis. Government is responsible for providing necessary infrastructure, employers are responsible for ensuring that the working environment is safe and healthy and the workers are responsible to work safely and not endanger others.
The International Labour Organization has posted a video on this event in their official YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kFhCYem54Bg
Also read: Is Double Masking more effective?
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Great work!