Workplace risk management in the context of the covid-19 pandemic

Andrada Denisa Băbuţ,Cristian Raul Cioară,Marius Simion Morar,Cristian Tomescu

doi:10.1051/matecconf/202134201012

Abstract

In March 2020, a pandemic was declared internationally, caused by a new coronavirus called COVID-19. With the advent of the COVID-19 virus and the declaration of the pandemic, safety and distancing measures have been instituted, which we cannot say we are used to and which we easily accept, but which are necessary to combat the spread of the virus. We also cannot deny that this pandemic has affected and continues to affect our mental health, triggering a certain state of anxiety and with it the lowering of our immune system, which makes us more vulnerable to disease. Paradoxically, mental health is one of the first things that helps us to resist and survive the crisis, which is why it is important to provide employees with protection to ensure the necessary mental comfort at work. In this context, this paper synthesizes the basic principles and best practices of psychosocial risk assessment, highlighting how hazard identification and risk management strategies should be based on the involvement of all stakeholders in combating anxiety at workplace.

Highlights

COVID-19 virus, known as Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2019-nCoV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 and Wuhan Pneumonia, is a viral respiratory syndrome caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
The risk of severe symptoms increases with age, as do people with a weakened immune system and those suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. [2]
Employees were more stressed and anxious at work in 2020 than in any other year. This increase in the level of stress and anxiety had a negative impact on the mental health of 70% of employees, causing more stress (38%), a lack of work-life balance (35%), exhaustion (25%), depression due to lack of socialization (25%) and loneliness (14%)

Summary

Short presentation of COVID-19 virus

COVID-19 virus, known as Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2019-nCoV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 and Wuhan Pneumonia, is a viral respiratory syndrome caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease can be transmitted from one person to another through secretions in the form of small drops, which are spread when the infected person coughs or sneezes. These drops are placed on the surrounding objects and surfaces. People can get COVID-19 if they breathe directly into the secretions spread by an infected person who coughs or sneezes. This is why it is important to keep a distance of at least 1 meter from a sick person.

Stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

The negative impact caused by the pandemic on employees

Findings

Conclusions