World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 – Infectious Diseases
28 April 2020 | Updated 14 May 2020
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 will focus on addressing the outbreak of infectious diseases at work, in particular, on the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme for 2020 was originally violence and harassment in the world of work, but has been replaced in view of the current global crisis. Resources and other information in this area are still available here.
The awareness day aims to stimulate national dialogue on safety and health at work. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is using this day to raise awareness on the adoption of safe practices in workplaces and the role that occupational safety and health (OSH) services play.
“We need special measures to protect the millions of health care workers and other workers who risk their own health for us every day. Teleworking offers new opportunities for workers to keep working... However, workers must be able to negotiate these arrangements so that they retain balance with other responsibilities, such as caring for children, the sick or the elderly, and of course themselves.”
–Guy Ryder
Director-General, ILO
Prevention of occupational accidents and diseases
The annual day promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on the magnitude of the problem and on how promoting and creating a safety and health culture can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
As the official website states: “As employers we are responsible for ensuring that the working environment is safe and healthy. As workers we are responsible to work safely and to protect ourselves and not to endanger others, to know our rights and to participate in the implementation of preventive measures.”
Emerging risks at work
The ILO state that new and emerging occupational risks may be caused by technical innovation or by social or organisational change. The examples given are:
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
Watch the video for occupational safety and health tips for workplaces
COVID-19 Is Not A Silver Lining For The Climate, Says UN Environment Chief
The UN Environment Chief has warned against viewing the effect of COVID-19 on climate change as a “silver lining”.
Instead, Inger Andersen is calling for...
Friday 20 March – The International Day Of Happiness
Given the sense of panic that has engulfed the world recently, it's hard to conceive of an International Day of Happiness – but it is just around the corner on...
MPs’ COVID-19 Report Calls on Minimum Standards for Hygiene Infrastructure
MPs are recommending a series of measures to prepare the UK for future public health emergencies, resulting from an inquiry into the role of cleaning during the COVID-19...
Sodexo’s Head of Health & Safety Named COVID Workplace Champion
April Harvey from Sodexo has been recognised for her role as health, safety and risk lead in the mobilisation of the first COVID quarantine facility and COVID-19 test...
During the pandemic, COVID has raised the profile of the quality of the air we breathe in our buildings – how do we maintain this priority throughout the winter...
University Researches AI Surveillance for Social Distancing Monitoring
Researchers at Griffith University, Australia, have developed an AI video surveillance system to detect social distancing breaches in an airport without compromising...
BESA Highlights Shortcomings of Government IAQ Report
A report commissioned by the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has highlighted the crucial role played by building ventilation in...
University Spin-Out Launches Pathogen Capturing Technology
Working in conjunction with the Defence Forces Ireland and the Czech University of Defence, an Irish medical technology company has developed an innovative Pathogen...
Freedom Day – How Do You Feel About Returning to The Office?
For some, Freedom Day marks a much-awaited return to some of our pre-pandemic habits, including working at the office instead of at home. But is everyone keen to come...
UK Workers Unsure on Returning to Office Without Vaccine
Around half of UK office workers feel confident about returning to work without a fully vaccinated workplace.
Research shows that 80 per cent of UK office...
FM Qualifications at the College of Central London
Qualifications are essential to gaining recognition and respect. Our mission is to provide skills and knowledge to help you achieve success in IWFM level 5 and 6. Click Image To Read More
ThisWeekinFM – Headline Media Partner
Visit our dedicated EMEX Playlist For All Our Energy Management Focus Interviews. Click Image To Read More
Unclear Future Energy Plan Risks Additional Customer Costs
Chris Goggin of Rinnai looks at a new report on the 2035 target for decarbonisation from the National Audit Office. Click Image to Learn More
Energy Transition Update
International governments, notable hemispheric hubs of trade and big business are all engineering strategies that introduce green fuels and technologies. Click Image To Read More
Understand Your Options & Invest Wisely In Training Solutions
An explosion in both the type of training available and how it can be accessed is providing a range of new technological training solutions for the cleaning industry. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai Introduces 12 Year Warranty and Opens Pathways to Net-Zero
Rinnai is creating practical, economical, and technically feasible pathways to lower carbon emissions. Click Image to Read More
Energy Transition Update
Sources of low-cost clean power that stabilise domestic energy security and minimise ecological damage will soon be introduced into domestic fuel options across the world. Click Image To Read More.
Rinnai UK Hydrogen Installations & Funding Continues To Expand
Chris Goggin details construction projects and financial funding directly related to future widespread UK hydrogen usage. Click Image To Read More
Air Quality and the Future of Work: Why IAQ Matters So Much to Employees
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) but concerns are set to persist long into the future. Click Image To Read More
Installations at Premier League Clubs
Property experts and contractors have completed the installation of a complete new hot water delivery system at a top London Premiership football club. Click Image To Read More
Orbiter™. The First 360 Online Self-Assessment Tool
This innovative tool helps building owners assess their building’s performance and see the bigger picture. Click Image To Read More