Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Overview of Legal Measures for Managing Workplace COVID-19 Infection Risk in Several Asia-Pacific Countries

  • Derek, Miller (D Miller Consultancy) ;
  • Tsai, Feng-Jen (Program in Global Health and Health Security, Taipei Medical University) ;
  • Kim, Jiwon (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University) ;
  • Tejamaya, Mila (Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia) ;
  • Putri, Vilandi (Indonesian Industrial Hygiene Association) ;
  • Muto, Go (Department of Hygiene, Kitasato University School of Medicine) ;
  • Reginald, Alex (Christian Medical College) ;
  • Phanprasit, Wantanee (Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University) ;
  • Granadillos, Nelia (Occupational Safety and Health Center) ;
  • Farid, Marina Bt Zainal (Industrial Hygiene (Custodian) Health & Safety, PETRONAS Group HSSE) ;
  • Capule, Carmela Q. (Industrial Hygienists Association of the Philippines, Inc.) ;
  • Lin, Yu-Wen (Department of Public Health, Fu-Jen Catholic University) ;
  • Park, Jihoon (National Institute of Chemical Safety, Ministry of Environment) ;
  • Chen, Ruey-Yu (School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University) ;
  • Lee, Kyong Hui (Force Health Protection & Preventive Medicine, MEDDAC-Korea) ;
  • Park, Jeongim (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Soonchunhyang University) ;
  • Hashimoto, Haruo (Hashimoto Occupational Safety and Hygiene Consulting) ;
  • Yoon, Chungsik (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Padungtod, Chantana (Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health) ;
  • Park, Dong-Uk (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University)
  • Received : 2021.05.26
  • Accepted : 2021.08.22
  • Published : 2021.12.30
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Abstract

Background: Despite the lack of official COVID-19 statistics, various workplaces and occupations have been at the center of COVID-19 outbreaks. We aimed to compare legal measures and governance established for managing COVID-19 infection risks at workplaces in nine Asia and Pacific countries and to recommend key administrative measures. Methods: We collected information on legal measures and governance from both general citizens and workers regarding infection risks such as COVID-19 from industrial hygiene professionals in nine countries (Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand) using a structured questionnaire. Results: A governmental body overseeing public health and welfare was in charge of containing the spread and occurrence of infectious diseases under an infectious disease control and prevention act or another special act, although the name of the pertinent organizations and legislation vary among countries. Unlike in the case of other traditional hazards, there have been no specific articles or clauses describing the means of mitigating virus risk in the workplace that are legally required of employers, making it difficult to define the responsibilities of the employer. Each country maintains own legal systems regarding access to the duration, administration, and financing of paid sick leave. Many workers may not have access to paid sick leave even if it is legally guaranteed.

Keywords

References

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