Role Of Occupational Safety And Health System In Building Disease Resilience In Work Places

INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In Nigeria, occupational safety and health (OSH) has received inadequate attention and support. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its far-reaching effects on the workplace, emphasizes the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) to all of us. The novel coronavirus can quickly invade workplaces, putting employees, their families, and their populations at risk of infection. Going to work does not make us feel unsafe. Aside from the risk of contamination, staff in both industries face problems as a result of new job processes and policies implemented to slow the virus’ spread. Teleworking, for example, has resulted in ergonomic and psychosocial risks, with 65 percent of surveyed businesses saying that maintaining employee productivity has been difficult to sustain while working from homeCertain workplaces have been disproportionately impacted, such as the 136 million health and social workers that are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst on the job. Furthermore, such employees, as well as critical personnel in a variety of other industries, have been subjected to elevated workloads, longer working hours, and shortened rest periods. The risk of workplace abuse and intimidation has also increased, with negative effects on both physical and mental health. Since 1919, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has prioritized workplace safety from illness, disease, and injuries caused by their work environment.The values found in ILO Occupational Safety and Health standards have proven to be more important than ever since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, especially the concept of prevention. Faced with an ongoing global health crisis, officials have acted quickly to halt the virus’s dissemination across public health programs. Workplace actors, especially those in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH), have been critical in the emergency response for protecting employees, even those that promote public health programs. Simultaneously, special care must be taken to ensure that programs and practices do not discriminate against any employees, and that those in marginal circumstances, such as children, women, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, the self-employed, and those in the informal sector, are taken into account. The need for countries to have a sound and resilient OSH structure in place is one of the many lessons learnt from this crisis. A structure that will help businesses survive and thrive by increasing their capacity to respond to potential crises and protecting employees’ safety and health.The ILO’s Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention of 2006 lays out the main components of a national OSH scheme (No. 187). A national OSH policy, regulatory, and operational framework; occupational health services; intelligence, consulting services, and training; data collection and research; and processes for improving OSH management structures at the enterprise level to deter and respond to OSH risks are all included. Investing in these programs allows countries to help prepare for and rebound from disasters by protecting lives and livelihoods and improving job health.In light of the current situation in Indonesia, where the workplace has become one of the COVId-19 clusters, the Manpower Ministry has released guidance for employers on how to handle COVId-19 in the workplace. The recommendations cover work-related risk management for employees and recommend incorporating COVID-19 procedures into current OSH and ongoing wellness services, such as first-aid at work, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis (TB).It is very promising that the use of the recommendations has the approval of employers’ organisations and labor unions. Joint actions by employers and employees will improve awareness that COVID-19 is a shared problem, and the overall aim is to keep the workers and company healthy. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of social dialogue between governments, businesses, and workers’ groups in not just reacting to emergencies but also fostering good OSH conditions. The successful introduction of interventions to resolve emergencies like COVID-19, which require swift yet effective intervention, requires an environment of confidence established by social dialogue.Mechanisms for social dialogue lay a solid basis for resilience growth. COVID-19 has undeniably been one of the world’s most severe workplace safety and health issues. Let us work together to build the robust and sustainable national OSH programs we need to protect the lives and welfare of all workers for years to come by collective action and dedication from all stakeholders.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Improved physical health, strategies for dealing with difficult circumstances and colleagues, staying stable under pressure, coping with work-related pressures, and correctly assessing the sources of work-related difficulties are all part of comprehensive resilience systems. Workplaces should foster workforce endurance through fitness and wellbeing services, worker support programs, and mental health first aid. Having emergency care on-site will pay off handsomely. Health providers can improve employee well-being in a variety of ways, from taking a holistic attitude to medical treatment through health awareness activities to addressing conditions on-site as they arise.Employers can create a genuine culture of health and safety by combining a rigorous safety policy with a program that focuses on occupational health and well-being utilizing comprehensive health and safety. “The blending of health and safety policies along a continuum of organizational, family, and workplace practices to improve overall worker well-being and reduce work-related accidents and illnesses,” according to the definition of integrated health and safety.It is important to demonstrate that workers are respected in order to improve their emotional and social well-being. When employees have access to health and fitness services, an atmosphere and practices that promote teamwork, and are given formal and informal appreciation for their efforts, they feel respected. Employees not only see several health gains from working on a resilient workforce, but they also hold workers who encourage resilience projects in higher regard.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to assess the role of occupational safety and health system in building disease resilience in work places. Specifically, the study aims;
I. To assess the role of occupational safety and health system in building disease resilience in work places .
II. To assess if there were safety measure in place to prevent the spread of corona virus.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
I. What are the role of occupational safety and health system in building disease resilience in work places?
II. What safety measures were put in place to prevent the spread of corona virus?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research would be beneficial to students and researchers who would do similar research.

1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY
Given the lack of funds, testing materials, and time constraints, the study’s focus was limited.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
HEALTH SAFETY: health safety are regulations and policies aimed at preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace and in public spaces
DISEASE RESILENCE: It refers to a person’s capacity to cope and heal while they are challenged with sickness, injuries, or other physical challenges.
WORK PLACE: a job environment, such as an office or a factory

1.9 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY
The research work is divided into five (5) chapters. Chapter one concerns itself with the general introduction grouped under the following headings; Background to the study, Statement of the problem, Objectives of the study, Significance of the study, Research questions, Scope of the study and Organization of the study. Chapter two involves the review of various related literatures on the relevant subject under the study.
Chapter three includes the various methods used for collecting data for the research work. These methods include administration of questionnaires, interviews, observation etc.
Chapter four presents results, discussions and provides analysis of the data gathered for the study.
Finally, the fifth chapter provides conclusions and recommendations.