GENEVA (ILO News) - The International Labour Office (ILO) is to host an interagency meeting here which will provide an opportunity to examine critical occupational safety and health, employment and livelihood issues in the context of a recent UN Action Plan with regard to the potential spread of the avian flu virus.
The one day-meeting on Avian Flu and the Workplace: Preparedness and Response will take place on Wednesday, 27 September, starting at 9.30, in Room Elimane Kane at ILO headquarters. It will provide an opportunity for representatives from international agencies, workers' and employers' organizations to examine the implications of avian flu and for harmonizing responses within the UN System.
The meeting will be attended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank (WB), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN System Influenza Coordinator (UNSIC), Public Services International (PSI), the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).
The meeting will allow the first review of the recently launched UN Action Plan including the social partners and pay particular interest to the world of work. The ILO's tripartite structure places it in a good position to address the concerns of governments, employers and employees with regard to avian flu threats.
The World Bank estimated in June that under a "severe" scenario, a global influenza pandemic could result in a 3.1% decline in the global GDP, costing the world economy some $1.25 trillion in economic losses ( Note 1). These would be incurred due to a loss of livelihoods and increased demand shocks of the travel and tourism sectors amongst other affected segments of the economy. Furthermore, based on previous instances of influenza pandemics, it is believed that in a worst case scenario human deaths can amount to millions.
Action at workplaces where humans come into contact with potentially infected poultry - and where the risk of a virus crossover from animals to humans is highest - is a key element in preventing the spread of the disease. ILO experience in other occupational health areas may provide elements for developing prevention and control practices in the workplace; in the case of avian flu, the workplace may also provide an important platform for informing employers, workers and others about preventive measures and best practices.
Note 1 -
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/
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