New Delhi: The Government of India released a booklet on ‘COVID-19- Safe Workplace Guidelines for Industry’. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan, and Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employment virtually unveiled the booklet.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “These guidelines are commendable and timely. This will help in welfare of the industrial workers. The guidelines act as a comprehensive planning guidance for employers and workers to use it to help identify risk levels of Covid-19 at individual workplace settings in their premises and to determine appropriate control measures”.
The guidelines in the booklet consolidate all important measures into a ready reckoner of action points to make the workplace safe based on the bulwark of infection control measures like respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing, social distancing and frequent sanitization of the workplace.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan further said, “Government of India under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister is committed to the welfare of the workers. As the country is moving towards the unlocking of economic activities, it is important that the guidelines are followed within the industry premises. Scientific prevention, precaution and positive attitude will help us in our fight against COVID.”
The Health Ministry also said that the guideline will provide the guidance for the assessment, categorization and mitigation of risk related to varied work related exposures to Covid-19 and contingency plan.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “In all the parameters of COVID, India is faring better than many developed countries. The continuously rising Recovery Rate and progressively falling Case Fatality Rate have proven the success of the COVID-19 containment strategy followed by all States and UTs. This is a result of combined efforts of all the organisations and citizens of country.”
The Health Minister said that till the time, a vaccine is available to fight the infectious disease, social vaccine in the form of mask/face cover, hand washing and maintaining physical distancing need to be adhered to.
Santosh Kumar Gangwar said, “These guidelines for safety of industrial workers will encourage people. It is important to prepare ourselves mentally for the present situation and spread awareness about the COVID appropriate behaviour.”
The Government said that the guidelines will act as a beacon of light for the safety of industrial workers. There should be wider dissemination of the guidelines to the target group for COVID safe behaviour.
