invest now in resilient osh systems

Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises

INVEST NOW IN RESILIENT OSH SYSTEMS

Date: Monday / 01 / October / 2019

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic:a global challenge for safety and health at work

Workers and people in the world of work

have been at risk of infection

Some workplaces have become sources of

outbreaks of the virus

Certain work settings are at particular risk

(close contact between workers, poor

ventilation)

OSH risks in the workplace:

Risk of acquiring the novel coronavirus

Other risks that have emerged due to new

work practices and procedures (chemical,

ergonomic, psychosocial risks, violence

and harassment)

3

Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises: Invest now in resilient OSH systems

The COVID-19 pandemic: a crisis for safety and health at work

Emergency and health care workers face higher OSH risks

4


International Labour Standards: a key resource in responding to the COVID-19 crisis

Advancing social justice, promoting decent work

5

International labour standards provide a tried-and-trusted foundation for policy

responses that focus on a recovery that is sustainable and equitable

Guy Ryder, ILO’s Director-General

Promotion of social dialogue and workplace cooperation

Guidance for safeguarding decent work in crisis responses and recovery

Protection of the health and safety of workers

Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) and Recommendation (No. 197)

Promotion of a national preventive safety and health culture

Establishment of a sound national OSH system

National OSH policy and regulatory frameworks (OSH laws and regulations, collective agreements and other relevant instruments; Mechanisms for ensuring compliance)

National OSH institutional framework (OSH authority or body; National tripartite advisory body; collaboration with relevant insurance or social security)

Occupational health services

Information, advisory services and training on OSH

Data collection and research on OSH

Promotion of OSH at the enterprise level (cooperation between management, workers and their representatives; progressive improvement in MSMEs and informal economy)


6

National OSH policy and regulatory frameworks

Strengthening effective national OSH policies and regulatory frameworks to better respond to crises and emergencies

Essential for the protection and

promotion of physical and mental

health at work

Contributes to resilient OSH

systems, preparing them to better

respond to crises in the future

Proactively adapts to new contexts

and allows for rapid and

appropriate emergency responses

A comprehensive and functional regulatory system

should include:

a basic and overarching OSH act covering all

workers and sectors, defining basic OSH rights and

responsibilities

laws and regulations, covering specific sectors or

hazards

codes of practice and technical standards, providing

specific guidance

collective bargaining agreements


8

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and Recommendation (No. 164)

Adoption of a coherent national OSH policy

Action to be taken both at the national and enterprise level to promote OSH and improve working

conditions

Basic rights and responsibilities for employers and workers in the field of OSH

Further requirements for the recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases in

the Protocol of 2002 (No. 155)


9

Basic OSH rights and responsibilities (as provided in Convention No. 155)

Employers

Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,

that the workplaces, machinery, equipment,

processes and agents are without risk to

health

Provide, where necessary, adequate PPE (at

no cost to the worker)

Provide, where necessary, for measures to

deal with emergencies and accidents

Ensure that workers and their representatives

are consulted, informed, and trained on OSH

Workers and their representatives

Receive adequate OSH information & training

Remove themselves from any situation which they have

reasonable justification to believe presents an

imminent and serious danger to their life or health

Be consulted and co-operate with the employer in the

field of OSH

Comply with OSH instructions and take care for their own

safety and that of others

Use safety devices and PPE correctly

Report any hazardous situation, work accident or injury


10

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) and Recommendation (No. 171)

Establishment of enterprise-level occupational health services

entrusted with essentially preventive functions

responsible for advising the employer, the workers and their representatives in the enterprise

on maintaining a safe and healthy working environment

Critical role during health crises

Help employers and workers adopt adequate measures in the workplace

Support OSH management in health care facilities, ensuring the continuity of the emergency

response and essential health services


11

Recognition of occupational accidents and diseases

ILO standards provide grounds for the recognition of COVID-19 as occupational injury, but is

contingent upon each country’s national law to consider whether and how COVID-19 may be

treated as an occupational injury

Recognition for healthcare workers or emergency personnel, both under existing legislation (e.g.,

Turkey and Belgium ) or with new regulations (e.g., Colombia)

Recognition for other workers at higher risks, such as those in essential services (e.g. Argentina)

Recognition as an occupational injury for workers irrespective of their occupation (Italy, Spain,

Denmark)


12

New legal requirements to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace

Provisions for the identification and control of potential sources of exposure

Sector specific procedures and protocols to prevent and deal with COVID-19 in the workplace

physical distancing

working from home arrangements

responding to positive cases of COVID-19 in the workplace

personal protective equipment (PPE)

safe commuting to and from the workplace, etc.

Protection from unfair dismissal and provision for sick pay and benefits to ensure compliance with

quarantine requirements


13

G20 OSH Experts Network Survey:Key Measures Adopted to Protect OSH of Workers during COVID-19

14

Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises:

Invest now in resilient OSH systems

Adopting provisions to address associated OSH risks

To prevent and minimize other associated risks emerged due to new OSH measures, work

processes and arrangements (i.e. ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial risks)

COVID-19 Management Guidelines (Malaysia) emphasized the need to conduct mental health

assessments for workers along with proper mitigation strategies

To address the increased risk of both physical and psychological violence and harassment

(particularly against health care workers)

The Algerian penal code was amended in July to provide protection for healthcare workers from

verbal and physical attacks, with penalties of 5 to 10 years prison time for offenders


15

Ensuring compliance with national laws and regulations:the role of labour inspection during the COVID-19 crisis

Strong labour inspection system, covering all types of enterprises and all workers, is essential to

implement OSH regulations, identify cases of non-compliance, assist to rectify them, and prevent

new cases

Strategy to deal with emergencies

promote compliance with new OSH requirements adopted to respond to the crisis

maintain the enforcement of other regulations and ensure a continued response to other

persistent OSH risks

protect the safety and health of inspectors while performing their duties (including the risk of

contagion, the risk of violence and harassment that may increase during emergencies, etc.)


16

Intensification of labour inspection activity: some examples from around the world

In Myanmar, workplaces were ordered to close and could only resume operations when

approved by a labour inspection team to ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines

Mexico expanded labour inspections to ensure work being performed onsite in enterprises was

deemed essential, verify compliance with COVID-19 prevention and control requirements and

monitor compliance with other OSH legal provisions

In Singapore, the entire inspection personnel was mobilized to inspect workplaces as well as

dormitories where workers are housed, with a focus on OSH issues related to COVID-19. In

addition, more than 100 officers were assigned to check on companies who did not implement

flexible work arrangements


17

Incentives for promoting compliance among employers

The COVID-19 crisis has been challenging for employers as they need to invest resources in

OSH (new measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to address other emerging

risks) while facing the economic effects of the pandemic on revenue

Economic incentives (tax incentives, insurance-related incentives, matching funds and non-

financial incentives, such as recognition and awards)

Strategy for motivating employers to invest in prevention work in OSH


18

In the Philippines, the government created a “COVID-19 Response Award” for employers

who successfully stopped the spread of the virus in their workplaces through OSH policies

and programs. The criteria for this award was drawn from the ILO Prevention and

Mitigation of COVID-19 at Work Action Checklist

National OSH institutional frameworks

An authority or body responsible for OSH

Key component of the OSH administration at the national level

Proactively involved in crisis response management at the national level

Provides leadership and acts as a trusted source during times of crises

Coordination

between the various institutions involved

between national and local levels


20

A national tripartite advisory body addressing OSH issues and the impact of COVID-19

Common mechanism to ensure social partners’ participation in OSH governance (building

consensus through a tripartite approach allows for better implementation of measures)

Different roles and functions (from a consultative role to a decision-making role)

Participation in the OSH discussion at the national level, including the issuance of instructions or

guidance to mitigate the impact of the crisis


21

The Working Group on Industrial Relations within the Australian National COVID-19 Coordination Commission

Established in April 2020 to support safe and healthy working environments during the pandemic

Brought together experts from health and labour along with employers and workers

representatives

Core focal points include Safe Work Australia, the Department of Health, the national Workplace

Relations, Employment and Safety team and the Fair Work Commission

Works in coordination with Safe Work Australia and local governments to develop guidelines for

safe workplaces in a range of industries, to ensure workers and employers are informed of health

and safety risks and to formulate safe working practices as new health issues arise


22

Collaboration with relevant insurance or social security schemes covering occupational injuries and diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for collaboration between

the national OSH system, mainly aimed at promoting continuous improvement of OSH to

prevent occupational injuries, diseases and deaths

relevant insurance or social security schemes, managing accidents and diseases when they

occur

medical care, vocational rehabilitation, cash benefits and compensation to workers who are

injured on the job or who develop occupational diseases

survivors’ benefits for families of victims of occupational fatalities


23

Occupational health services

Functions

Identification and assessment of OSH risks

Surveillance of the working environment and

working practices which may affect workers’

health

Advice on planning and organization of work

Participation in developing programmes for the

improvement of working practices

Advice on OSH, ergonomics and individual and

collective protective equipment

Surveillance of workers’ health

Promotion of the adaptation of work to the worker

Contribution to vocational rehabilitation

Collaboration in providing OSH information,

training and education

Organization of first aid and emergency treatment

Participation in analysis of occupational accidents

and occupational diseases


25

All these functions are essential to help employers mitigate the risk of contagion and other

associated risks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Monitoring of the working environment and risk assessment

Identification and evaluation of the environmental factors

which may affect workers’ health;

Assessment of conditions of occupational hygiene and factors

in the organization of work which may give rise to risks for the

health of workers;

Assessment of collective and personal protective equipment;

Assessment – where appropriate – of exposure of workers to

hazardous agents;

Assessment of control systems designed to eliminate or

reduce exposure.

This process provides

information on the OSH

needs of the enterprise and

indicates priorities for

prevention and control

actions


26

Surveillance of workers’ health and provision of first aid services

Assess the fitness of a worker to carry out certain jobs

Identify any health impairments which may be related to the exposure to harmful agents inherent

in the work process

Identify cases of occupational diseases in accordance with national legislation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Occupational Health Services have often been responsible for

tracking confirmed and suspected cases

tracing any potential contagion, instructing workers to quarantine

notifying public health and social security authorities, among other functions


27

Occupational Health Services in the United Arab Emirates

They provide a comprehensive surveillance system during the pandemic, while efficiently

monitoring the status of the entire workforce to aid management

ongoing health monitoring

testing

telehealth consultations

quarantine timelines


28

Adaptation of work to the workers and protection of vulnerable groups

Identification of vulnerable groups of workers

Consideration of the worker’s state of health and all other known risk factors (in the case of

COVID-19 these include age, ethnicity, body mass index)

Due to the nature of their jobs, some groups such as migrant workers, contract workers and

day labours, for example, may face unique risks

Recommendations to facilitate the adaptation of work to the workers

Selection of a job that minimizes adverse effects

Provision of special equipment or protective devices

Adoption of specific work arrangements (e.g., compulsory telework)

Prescription of sick leave


29

The advisory role

Advise TO

Employers

Enterprise management

Workers and their

representatives

OSH committees

(both in their collective and

individual capacities)

Advice ON

Risk assessment

Preventive and control measures

Modifications in work processes and procedures

Return to work following accidents or diseases (including

COVID-19)

Educational and training activities

Individual health in relation to work (personal advice)


30

Provision of general preventive and curative health services

The ILO Occupational Health Services Recommendation (No. 171) promotes the provision of

curative and general health care services as functions of Occupational Health Services, including

carry out immunizations in respect to biological hazards in the working environment

take part in campaigns aimed at the protection of workers’ health

collaborate with the health authorities within the framework of public health programmes

This function can be particularly critical for hard to reach areas and populations and during

emergencies, where many public health entities are under pressure


31

Collaboration with external services

with the public health system of the country as a whole as well as institutions and facilities in

local communities, in order to facilitate coordination with specialized health services for

appropriate treatment of occupational injuries and diseases

with emergency response organizations and first aid providers such as ambulance services,

hospital outpatient and emergency clinics, poison control centres, police and fire brigades and

civic rescue organizations to ensure the expeditious treatment of acute injuries and assist in

planning for and responding to major emergencies

with social security and health insurance institutions to facilitate the administration of benefits

and functioning of the workers’ compensation system


32

Information, advisory services and training on OSH

Information and advisory services on OSH

Prerequisites to functional OSH systems

Provide vital, up-to-date information to workers, their representatives and employers during

routine work and emergency scenarios, including about both existing and newly introduced OSH

requirements

OSH national authorities and bodies have played a leading role in the dissemination of

information on COVID-19, creating ad hoc sites and producing materials for different sectors that

are easily reproducible for distribution to workers or posting in workplaces

Social Partners have also been very active in collaborating with governments and supporting

their members to take action in the workplace for preventing and mitigating the spread of COVID-

19

Workers’ representatives are uniquely positioned to contribute to facilitating communication with

workers about emerging risks and how they affect themAdvancing social justice, promoting decent work

34

Awareness-raising campaigns

Important for promoting OSH on key topics, particularly in crisis situations

Effective means of disseminating essential information and for sensitizing workers, employers

and communities about OSH rights and responsibilities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been campaigns to raise awareness on different

topics, for example:

the risk of transmission of the virus among essential workers

increases in violence and harassment


35

Awareness raising campaigns for OSH in coffee value chains in Mexico

The ILO Vision Zero Fund and the National Federation of Coffee Growers in Mexico produced a range of

audiovisual resources as part of a campaign

The aim of the project was to raise awareness amongst workers of safety and health at work in coffee value

chains during COVID-19

The campaign included a radionovela (radio soap opera), with 10 installments on a range of OSH topics

including mitigating the risk of COVID-19 during harvest time

A series of videos was also created, discussing COVID-19 prevention in agriculture, as well as cleaning

disinfection and other mitigation measures


36

Provision of training on OSH

Amendment of OSH training plans to cover

new hazards and risks emerged during the crisis

how to apply and follow new measures and procedures adopted

Sector specific approaches


37

In South Africa, the government required that all workers complete a training on COVID-19 and

OSH before returning to work

In Ireland, the HSA created a “Return to Work Safely Induction” online course, which workers are

required to take before returning to work

In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority created a compulsory online COVID-Safe

training for workers in the construction sector focusing on the risks specific to these workers

Data collection and research on OSH

Building a comprehensive and effective system for gathering and analysing OSH data and information

Essential for developing informed policies, laws and regulations, strategies and other measures

on OSH, including responding to crisis situations

Should include:

Mechanisms and structures for recording and notification of occupational accidents and

diseases

Complementary mechanisms to collect other OSH data and statistics

Research capacity to identify new and emerging risks and new preventive techniques for

addressing them


39

Notification of occupational injuries and diseases

In most countries, recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases is an

obligation of enterprises

In countries where COVID-19 has been recognized as an occupational injury (accident or

disease), it must be notified, as for all other cases

An efficient recording and notification system is important and useful in emergency situations to

allow collection of accurate data and to quickly identify clusters of cases

To promote compliance with notification requirements, the competent authorities, in collaboration

with social partners, need to educate employers and workers about their responsibilities

In Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) the Health and Safety Executive provides a list of criteria

to guide employers concerning when a COVID-19 case or dangerous occurrence must be

reported to the government.


40

Gathering other OSH data and information in times of crisis

Labour inspection statistics can provide data on occupational accidents and occupational

diseases, compliance and other OSH related issues

Surveys and studies, both general and by sector, can be carried out on critical aspects of the

organization and implementation of prevention measures in enterprises

Surveys can be performed by social partners, collecting data about their members

perceptions and experiences.

A global survey by the trade union UNI examined COVID-19 responses and experiences of

trade unions around the world, with over 60% of workers who responded noting that they were

impacted by shortages of PPE and disinfectants.

The International Organization of Employers (IOE) produced a joint survey with the ILO looking

at challenges, impacts and responses of enterprises to COVID-19, including OSH responses


41

Research on OSH and COVID-19

Necessary to better ascertain the realities of OSH situations

Very relevant for the development and updating of regulations, particularly to

identify the specific risks in a certain sector or industry (including both exposure to the virus

and other associated risks) and effective solutions to mitigate or eliminate them

gain deeper knowledge of the situation of particular groups of workers that are presumed to

be exposed to special or unusually severe risks

identify and assess short and long term health consequences (including those resulting from

other related risks and working situations)

assess compliance and ascertain how effective legal provisions are by sector, region and type

of enterprise with the aim of increasing adherence of duty holders


42

Strengthening OSH management systems at the enterprise level

Emergency prevention, preparedness and response

A sound OSH management system should include the establishment and maintenance of

emergency prevention, preparedness and response arrangements

identify the potential for emergency situations and address the OSH risks associated with them

made to the size and nature of activity of the enterprise

ensure that the necessary information, communication and coordination are provided to protect all people

in the event of an emergency at the worksite

provide information and communication with the relevant competent authorities, the neighbourhood and

emergency response services;

address first-aid and medical assistance, fire-fighting and evacuation

provide relevant information and training to all members of the enterprise

be established in cooperation with external emergency services and other bodies


44

Promoting cooperation between management, workers and representatives in the workplace

Workers’ participation is a key element of the OSH management system in the workplace

Particularly relevant during emergencies (with new/increased hazards and risks, high uncertainty,

rapid change)

Involving workers and giving them a sense of ownership in the response help ensuring the

implementation of sustainable and appropriate solutions

The employer should ensure:

Consultation, information and training for workers and their representatives on all aspects of

OSH, including emergency arrangements associated with their work.

Ensure co-operation between management and workers when working from home (maintaining

regular communication)


45

Hazard identification and risk assessment

Identify all occupational hazards and assess

the associated risks assessed on an on-

going basis Exposure to the virus

Exposure to other hazards (biological,

chemical, physical, psychosocial – including

violence and harassment)

Consider the work environment, the tasks

and the measures already available

Consider the entire working day, including

access to common areas such as

dormitories, transportation, cafeterias,

sanitary facilities or areas of circulation

Carried out before any modifications/

introduction of new work methods/

processes/equipment

Address all workers, as well as suppliers,

clients and visitors

Take into account workers’ individual

characteristics Older adults and people with serious underlying

medical conditions (higher risk for severe illness

from COVID-19)

Workers with disabilities and migrant workers

(increased risk to contract COVID-19 at work)


46

Adoption of OSH measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the workplace

Based on thorough OSH risk assessments

Follow the hierarchy of controls

Adapted to the hazards and risks encountered by the enterprise

Reviewed and modified if necessary on a regular basis

Comply with national laws and regulations

Reflect good practice

Consider the current state of knowledge


47

Addressing psychosocial risks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Anxiety produced by the health risks of the coronavirus, uncertainty about how long the crisis will

last, the worry of possibly losing their jobs or being forced to close businesses, etc.

Psychosocial hazards arising from radical changes in work organization, processes, and

conditions (including telework)

For example: isolation, changes in workload and work pace, overlapping of professional and

family duties, violence and harassment, etc.


48

Support mechanisms for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in MSMEs and the informal economy

Particularly affected by the effects of the pandemic

Lack the resources to invest in OSH

Many workers in these sectors are already at higher risk for accidents or diseases in the

workplace

Need for special initiatives, for example

Strengthening partnerships with social partners and other strategic actors (e.g., public health

care systems, social security institutions, NGOs, education institutions, etc.)

Promoting mentorship by large companies and developing networks of MSMEs


49

Incentives for promoting compliance among employers

The COVID-19 crisis has been challenging for employers as they need to invest resources in

OSH (new measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to address other emerging

risks) while facing the economic effects of the pandemic on revenue

Economic incentives (tax incentives, insurance-related incentives, matching funds and non-

financial incentives, such as recognition and awards)

Strategy for motivating employers to invest in prevention work in OSH

In the Philippines, the government created a “COVID-19 Response Award” for employers who

successfully stopped the spread of the virus in their workplaces through OSH policies and

programs. The criteria for this award was drawn from the ILO Prevention and Mitigation of

COVID-19 at Work Action Checklist

50


Looking forward: Resilient OSH systems to face the next crisis

Recent crises (explosion in Beirut, natural disasters, public health threats) have all tested

the strength of crisis response systems

Investing to strengthen OSH systems will aid governments, employers and workers in

responding to the current pandemic

safeguarding health in the workplace

recovering faster by avoiding further contagion

Building up these resilient systems will also provide a foundation to respond to other

unforeseen events and crises that may occur in the future


52

ILO tools to protect workers’ safety and health during COVID-19 crisis

Prevention and Mitigation of COVID-19 at Work: Action checklist (April 2020)

In the face of a pandemic: Ensuring Safety and Health at Work – World Day for Safety and Health at

Work Report (April 2020)

A safe and healthy return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic – Policy Brief (May 2020)

A Safe Return to Work: Ten Action Points (May 2020)

Managing work-related psychosocial risks during the COVID-19 pandemic – Guide (June 2020)

Practical Guide on Teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond (July 2020)

COVID-19 and health facilities: Checklist of measures to be taken in health facilities (July 2020)

Hand hygiene at the workplace: an essential occupational safety and health prevention and control

measure against COVID-19 – Briefing Note (September 2020)

Prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 at work for small and medium-sized enterprises: Action Checklist

(August 2020)

53


https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/resources-library/publications/WCMS_741813/lang--en/index.htm?shared_from=shr-tls

https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---safework/documents/briefingnote/wcms_745549.pdf

https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/resources-library/publications/WCMS_745541/lang--en/index.htm

https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/resources-library/publications/WCMS_748638/lang--en/index.htm

https://www.ilo.org/travail/whatwedo/publications/WCMS_751232/lang--en/index.htm

https://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_750808/lang--en/index.htm

https://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_754864/lang--en/index.htm

https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/resources-library/training/WCMS_753619/lang--en/index.htm

Thank you

invest now in resilient osh systems

Documents