Coordinated by UN's Agency, ILO, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work-2021 is being observed on April 28 with the theme 'Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises: Invest now in resilient occupational safety and health systems' urging the world community to contribute to a 'stronger infrastructure at the national level which is prepared to respond to crises such as COVID-19 and similar events.'
According to the ILO, the COVID-19 pandemic has led governments, employers, workers and the general population to face unprecedented challenges in relation to the virus and the many effects it has had on the world of work by focusing on strategies to strengthen national occupational safety and health (OSH) systems to build resilience, in order to face crises now and in the future, drawing on lessons learned and experiences from the world of work.
The UN has listed the new and emerging occupational risks caused by technical innovation or by social or organizational change, which need attention as follows.
New technologies and production processes, e.g. nanotechnology, biotechnology
New working conditions, e.g. higher workloads, work intensification from downsizing, poor conditions associated with migration for work, jobs in the informal economy
Emerging forms of employment, e.g. self-employment, outsourcing, temporary contracts
“There could be no clearer demonstration of the importance of a strong, resilient, occupational safety and health environment. Recovery and prevention will require better national policies, institutional and regulatory frameworks, properly integrated into crisis response frameworks,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.
WHO has issued safety measures for schools, The important ones are given here
Safety and security: School closure or re-opening may affect the safety and security of students and the most vulnerable children may require special attention, such as during pick-up and drop-off.
Hygiene and daily practices at the school and classroom level: Physical distancing of at least 1 metre between individuals including spacing of desks, frequent hand and respiratory hygiene, age-appropriate mask use, ventilation and environmental cleaning measures should be in place to limit exposure. Schools should educate staff and students on COVID-19 prevention measures, develop a schedule for daily cleaning and disinfection of the school environment, facilities and frequently touches surfaces, and ensure availability of hand hygiene facilities and national/local guidance on the use of masks.
Screening and care of sick students, teachers and other school staff: Schools should enforce the policy of “staying home if unwell”, waive the requirement for a doctor’s note, create a checklist for parents/students/staff to decide whether to go to school (taking into consideration the local situation), ensure students who have been in contact with a COVID-19 case stay home for 14 days, and consider options for screening on arrival.
Protection of individuals at high-risk: Schools should identify students and teachers at high-risk with pre-existing medical conditions to come up with strategies to keep them safe; maintain physical distancing and se of medical masks as well as frequent hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Communication with parents and students: Schools should keep students and parents informed about the measures being implemented to ensure their collaboration and support.
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