The International Labour Organization (ILO) has changed the theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work to address the COVID-I9 pandemic which has infected over two million people and killed thousands around the world.

In a statement made by the organization and seen by Sierraloaded, ILO said that in recognition of “the great challenge that governments, employers, workers and whole societies are facing worldwide to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work will focus on addressing the outbreak of infectious diseases at work, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The aim is to stimulate national tripartite dialogue on safety and health at work. The ILO is using this day to raise awareness on the adoption of safe practices in workplaces and the role that occupational safety and health (OSH) services play.”, the statement said.

According to the ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, “We need special measures to protect the millions of health care workers and other workers who risk their own health for us every day.”

“Teleworking offers new opportunities for workers to keep working… However, workers must be able to negotiate these arrangements so that they retain balance with other responsibilities, such as caring for children, the sick or the elderly, and of course themselves.”