Article by David Smith
Those who drafted the ISO standard on occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems (ISO 45001) published in 2018, had no indication that the world would be facing an epidemic in 2020. The standard made sure equal focus was given to the managing the risks to workers of occupational health diseases as well as safety issues and is therefore very appropriate in the new world of COVID-19.
The impact of COVID-19 on society, economy and the workplace has been dramatic. The consequences will inevitably be far-reaching and result in everlasting changes with workers thinking more about their work– life balance. Some of the issues faced by workers have been:
·Loss of friends and loved ones or dealing with long COVID
·Not working at all and having to stay isolated for long periods
·Impact on mental health on them and maybe family members
·Working at home; sometimes in unsuitable conditions (inadequate facilities, children also isolating at home, little social contact except by video links with colleagues)
· Risks at work associated with COVID-19 for those workers providing essential services or needing to travel and/or come into contact with public etc.