A Convention to address emerging challenges posed by biological hazards
Jun 7, 2024
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Agatha Namirembe, Chairperson of the Uganda Public Employees Union shares her insights on the session focused on biological hazards, a field of particular interest to her.
Emphasizing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Agatha highlighted the need for comprehensive preparedness strategies involving employers, governments, and workers.
In response to the challenges posed by biological hazards, both natural and human-induced, Agatha underscored the importance of ensuring workplace safety. She emphasized the significance of inclusivity, noting the necessity of gender-sensitive protective measures. This outcome was particularly gratifying, as traditionally such measures had been tailored primarily to male workers.
Agatha expressed satisfaction with the collaborative spirit evident among stakeholders—governments, employers, and workers—towards the proposed convention addressing biological hazards. Despite initial resistance to elevating it to a convention, Agatha and fellow worker representatives remained steadfast, advocating for its formal adoption to enhance its effectiveness and provide greater protection.
Agatha emphasizes the convention's potential to address emerging challenges posed by biological hazards comprehensively. By encompassing a wide array of hazards, both existing and newly generated, the convention aims to fortify workplace safety measures and safeguard the well-being of workers worldwide.