Indonesia prioritises workplace safety and workers’ health

“The COVID-19 pandemic reminds us of the importance of occupational health and safety to protect workers from the potential dangers of occupational diseases and other health problems, including infectious diseases or diseases that are currently endemic,” he said.

Workplaces are sites which have a high potential for COVID-19 transmission, he said, adding that social activities, starting from activities with the family at home, in the neighbourhood, to the workplace, are likely to increase the number of national positive cases.

To curb the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces, he proposed a five-point checklist:

1)    Use barcode screening such as the PeduliLindungi application, followed by temperature checks.

2)    Establish and activate a COVID-19 task force to follow up on suspects or confirmed cases.

3)    Increase awareness of health protocols such as using masks properly, frequent washing of hands, and maintaining social distancing.

4)    Encourage employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations.

5)    Educate workers to better recognise COVID-19 symptoms.

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“By conducting these efforts, it is expected that in the future, it can also support business continuity, economic recovery, and growth, as well as (ensure) higher national productivity by strengthening and increasing the imposition of occupational safety and health,” Sadikin added, according to Antara News.