Minister Patricia Francourt’s message for World Safety Day and Health at Work |28 April 2021

Minister Francourt

‘Stay safe and healthy through the Covid-19 pandemic’

“It has been over a year since the world has been facing the Covid-19 pandemic and this has had an effect on the safety and health of workers.

“To combat the pandemic, workplace establishments were obliged to take several stance in the containment of the Covid-19 in order to prevent or reduce the spread; from the design and setting up of workplace Standard Operating Procedures to the establishment of workplace hygiene measures. The emergence of this new threat has placed emphasis on safety and health in workplaces and prompted us to adapt our laws and policies to cater for this emerging challenge.

“It is in this regard that the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs joins with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the rest of the world in commemorating the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2021. The ministry supports the ILO chosen theme for this year – ‘Anticipate, prepare and respond to crisis – Invest Now in Resilient Occupational Safety and Health Systems’ – calling for significant organisational re-adjustments, as Covid-19 is one more risk in an organisation’s work process that should be managed with the same degree of importance and intensity as any other Occupational Safety and Health risks.

“With the ultimate goal of achieving high standards of Safety and Health Culture, leadership and commitment at the workplace remains the key on how effective the workplace responds to this pandemic. Therefore, organisations should seize this opportunity to invest and re-adapt its Occupational Safety and Health system not only for today, but in preparation for future similar threats.

“Employees also have their role to play in being well informed on how to minimise exposure by closely observing established infectious prevention control measures procedures in place and through the correct usage of readily available personal protective equipment.

“I would like take this opportunity to thank all workers working through this pandemic and calling on others to remain safe and healthy.”

Patricia Francourt

Minister for Employment & Social Affairs