Employers urged to pursue WHO directive on COVID-19

The GEA has been keenly following developments regarding the spread of the corona virus pandemic across the globe. On March 15, 2020, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana reported confirmed cases in Ghana and the steps the Government was taking to stop the spread of the pandemic in the country. In order to ensure that the COVID-19 outbreak is effectively contained, it will require the concerted efforts of all sections of society including employers and businesses.

As part of business and employers’ contribution towards the prevention of the spread of infections in the workplace, and among families of workers and their respective communities, GEA urges employers to vigorously pursue the following initiatives per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines:

Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic

1. Surfaces (e.g. desks tops, door handles, balustrades and tables) and objects (e.g. telephone, keyboards,) need to be wiped with disinfectants at regular intervals each day because contamination of surfaces touched by employees and customers is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads
2. Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers
3. Promote good respiratory hygiene in the workplace v. Advise employees and contractors to consult national travel advice before going on business trips.
4. Reduce physical meetings and events because there is a risk that people attending the meeting might expose others to the COVID-19
5. Regular education, sensitization and awareness on causes of the COVID-19, how it spreads and the impact on the workplace, family, and the nation
   
   

Businesses and employers are being requested to carry out actions and measures that protect the health and security of employees and their families in this critical period. Employers must also pay particular attention to directives from the Government as well as the Ministry of Health from time to time regarding the COVID-19.

Employers with online and digital facilities must encourage their workers, where possible, to operate from home to reduce the physical convergence of workers at the workplace in conformity with the social distancing strategy of controlling the spread of COVID-19.

GEA commends the Government for the measures and actions taken thus far to prevent the spread of the disease and to assure the full support and cooperation of the Association in our collective obligation to rid the country of this pandemic.