New guide to strengthening the safety of health workers

According to the WHO, less than one in six countries has a national policy for a healthy and safe work environment in the health sector.

Feb. 22, 2022. 3:11 p.m.

International Labor Organization (ILO) and World Health Organization (ILO)who) Have published New guidelines for developing and implementing robust occupational health and safety programs for health workersBecause the Govt-19 epidemic continues to put great pressure on them.

“Before the COVID-19 epidemic, the health sector was one of the most dangerous sectors,” said Dr. Maria Neera, director of the WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “Only a handful of health facilities had occupational hygiene and safety management programs. Health workers suffered from infections, musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, workplace violence and harassment, burns and allergies from poor work environment.”

In the absence of national policies on health care

The COVID-19 epidemic has had an even greater impact on health workers and has shown dangerous neglect of their health, safety and well-being. More than one-third of health centers have no health status. Fewer than one in six countries has a national policy on healthy and safe work environment in the health sector.The WHO states in a statement.

“Kovit-19 has exposed the cost of this systemic lack of protection for the health, safety and well-being of health workers. Nearly 115,500 health workers have died of Govt-19“It simply came to our notice then,” said James Campbell, director of the WHO Department of Health.

“Absence of disease and burnout have exacerbated the shortage of existing health workers and undermined the capabilities of health systems to respond to the increased need for care and prevention in times of crisis,” he said. “This guide provides recommendations on how to learn from this experience and better protect our healthcare workers.”

Occupational health and safety management

ILO and WHO recommend improving and applying Standard programs for occupational health and safety management of health workers at the national, sub-national and health facility levels. These programs should cover all occupational hazards: infectious, ergonomic, physical, chemical and psychological.

The guide outlines the role that governments, employers, workers and occupational health services can play in improving and protecting the health, safety and well-being of health workers.

Emphasizes the need for continued investment, training, monitoring and collaboration to sustain progress in project implementation.

“Effective mechanisms need to be established to guarantee continued cooperation between employers, managers and health workers with the aim of safeguarding health and safety at work,” commented Alet van Loore, director of the ILO Department of Sectoral Policies.

Rights of health workers

“Health workers, like all other workers, must enjoy the right to decent work, a safe and healthy work environment. Social security in terms of health care, sick leave and occupational diseases and injuries“.

Countries that have developed and actively implemented occupational health and safety programs for health workers Reduction of work-related injuries and illnesses and sick leaveAs well as work environment and productivity improvements.

“These programs are a central element for the effective management of safety and health at work”, Conference no. ILO’s 187, and “Provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together through community dialogue towards common goals of promoting decent work in the healthcare sector and increasing the regression of healthcare organizations,” said Director Vera Package-Berdygo. Personality of the ILO and the Tri-Party.