The Labour Minister commenced the seminar on the “Covid-19 pandemic and the reform of the promotion of the health among employees in the workplace” organized by the Confederation of Thai Labour (CTL) and the Social Security Network for Workers and supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. It stressed that all sectors must jointly drive the health promotion of working people to be effective and encourage good sanitation among employees.
On July 19, 2020, at 09.00 hours, Labour Minister M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul chaired the commencement of the seminar on the “Covid-19 pandemic and the reform of the promotion of the health among employees in the workplace”. Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Suthi Sukosol joined the commencement, which took place at the Prof. Nikom Chandravithu meeting room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour.
The seminar on the “Covid-19 pandemic and the reform of the promotion of the health among employees in the workplace” had the following objectives: 1) To enhance the capacity and support the work process of workforce leaders and the network organization in driving and campaigning the policy into practice to enhance of the quality of life of workers. 2) To develop the activities of organizations in promoting the prevention of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. 3) To develop models and methods to reduce inequality in access to health services and social inequality through cooperative processes in terms of government agencies, employers or workplace owners, and labour organizations in the workplace and 4) to change the health behavior of workers in the dimension of reducing health risk factors, increasing work efficiency and reducing costs/ health expenses in the workplace. This seminar is expected to receive cooperation from both government agencies, employer or workplace owners and labour organizations, workplaces, and academics to develop guidelines for implementing policies to improve the quality of life of workers. Approximately 25 organizations participated in the seminar, consisting of 87 people.
Labour Minister M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul said that the Covid-19 outbreak has affected human life in every dimension. It has caused changes and has resulted in a new term called the “new normal”. The biggest change is the peoples’ awareness of health care for themselves and the public, using masks and alcohol gel and to wash hands regularly and exercise regularly, and eating foods that help build immunity, including social distancing.
The Ministry of Labour recognizes the importance of enhancing the working conditions of workers. When employees have good health, it inevitably affects work potential resulting in the readiness to work more efficiently. It is an important force in creating productivity and increasing economic value for the country. Preventive measures and promoting actions for workers who have good health are worth more than the treatment or restoration. In the past, the Ministry of Labour assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and the Social Security Office to continue to promote the well-being of workers.
“To effectively improve the working conditions of workers, it is necessary to receive cooperation from all sectors, including government, employers, employees, and relevant network sectors. The seminar and dialogue today is very much appreciated to brainstorm ways to work together and integrate with driving activities to create the well-being of working people with all sectors involved in the operation,” concluded the Labour Minister.
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Division of Public Relations
19 July 2020
