Review a library of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines  – developed by governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations around the world.

In an effort to ensure that all organizations can quickly and easily find the tools that they need to protect their workers against COVID-19, we have assembled a library of health and safety guidelines  – developed by governments and NGOs around the world. Browse the sections below to find the guidelines most applicable for you and your business partners!

Health and Safety Guidelines: International organizations, associations & NGOs

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by International organizations, associations & NGOs, developed to meet the needs of your partner facilities around the world.

Compilation of Guidelines on Covid-19 Transmission, Prevention and Management

Backing organization: Better Work Indonesia

“As part of its wide-ranging response to the Coronavirus emergency, Better Work Indonesia (BWI) has compiled a collection of guidelines on transmission, prevention and handling of Covid-19 based on guidance from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower and other relevant Ministries of the Republic of Indonesia, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions.  This collection of guidelines aims to support BWI factories in the context of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) to reduce the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and ensure the continuity of operational activities of factories in the garment and footwear industry.  The guidelines also report best practices by BWI programme member-factories which can be used as a reference in the prevention and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in their factories.” (Better Work Indonesia)

Guide For Better Response to Covid-19

Backing organization: Better Work Vietnam

“This  Guide  is  developed  by  Better  Work  Vietnam,  based  on  the  guidance  from  Ministry  of Health  of  Vietnam,  World  Health  Organization  and through  consultation  with  the  Labour Inspectorate  of  Ministry  of  Labour,  Invalids  and  Social  Affairs to  support  BWV  factories  to mitigate the risks to their operation in the context of the outbreak, as well as maintaining social dialogue,  and  compliance  as  means  to ensure  viable  business  operationduring  the emergency situation.” (Better Work Vietnam)

COVID-19 Management Guidance

Backing organization: Better Work Bangladesh (author), Endorsed by ILO & IFC

“In response to this crisis Better work Bangladesh (BWB) guideline on COVID 19 helps employers, worker and respective committee members responsible for managing their workplace during COVID-19, protecting workers, and answering some of the workplace and occupational safety and health (OSH) related questions that factories are facing.” (Better Work Bangladesh)

Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19

Backing organization: W.H.O.

“WHO and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, long term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of our society –including businesses and employers –must play a role if we are to stop the spread of this disease..” (W.H.O)

Prevention and Mitigation of COVID-19 at Work ACTION CHECKLIST

Backing organization: ILO

“This checklist is a management tool to implement practical actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 pandemic at the workplace. The successful implementation of the tool is dependent on the cooperation between employers, supervisors and workers to make positive changes in the workplace to improve response to and preparedness for COVID-19. Employers should involve workplace safety and health committees or safety delegates in the process.” (ILO)

ILO Protecting Your Employees and Business from Pandemic Human Influenza

Backing organization: ILO

“The  manual  is  user-friendly  and  practical,  providing  an  action-checklist  on  various  prevention measures including explanations and descriptions. The unique participatory training methods of the ILO, Work Improvement in Small Enterprises (WISE) and Work Improvement in Neighbourhood Development  (WIND),  were  used  to  promote  understanding  and  encourage  improvement  actions of employers and workers in small and medium-sized enterprises.The  scope  of  the  project’s  training  manual  and  action-checklist  will  not  be  limited  to  Thailand.Instead, they will serve as a model, which can be adapted to different countries’ contexts and needs to further promote pandemic planning.” (ILO)

ILO Standards & Covid-19

Backing organization: ILO

“Key provisions of international labour standards relevant to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak.” (ILO)

Considerations relating to social distancing measures in response to COVID

Backing organization: ECDC

“This document aims to support public health preparedness planning and response activities based upon social distancing measures aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is an action taken to minimise contact with other individuals; social distancing measures comprise one category of non-pharmaceutical countermeasures (NPCs) aimed at reducing disease transmission and thereby also reducing pressure on health services” (ECDC)

Preparedness prevention and control of COVID 19 in prisons

Backing organization: W.H.O.

“The development of this document was coordinated by Carina Ferreira-Borges, Programme Manager, Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe, who was also part of the core group for the development of this publication. The work was developed under the leadership of Dr João Breda, head of the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, and in consultation with the Incident Management Team of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for Europe, and WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.” (W.H.O.)

Managing Transitioning / Retrenchments

Backing organization: ILO Better Work

“The COVID-19 pandemic, which has already spread to well over 100 countries, has already transformed into an economic and labour market shock. Beyond the urgent concern about the health of workers and their families, the virus is affecting the world of work, including both unemployment and underemployment. These guidelines are designed to help factories confronting these economic challenges to do so in line with applicable laws and internationally accepted good practices.” (ILO Better Work)

Apparel Resources Guideline for factories

Backing organization: Apparel resources online

“Apparel Resources – with the support of its team, industry experts and renowned professors – has prepared a set of guidelines using which the factories can put a shield between its people and coronavirus.” (Apparel resources online)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Bangladesh

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Bangladesh.

BGMEA Factory Opening Guidelines

Backing organization: BGMEA

“Members of BGMEA are strictly advised to follow the below guidelines during COVID-19 situation”. (BGMEA)

BANGLADESH RMG INDUSTRY: COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN GUIDELINE & RISK ASSESSMENT

Backing organization: INDUSTRY BANGLADESH

This document was written as a sense of civic duty (and completely voluntarily) to help the nation’s vulnerable population whose livelihoods have been so adversely affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. It is the authors’ intention that employers will be able to use this information to keep their workplaces safe and protect their employees from being further affected.“ (Industry Bangladesh)

COVID-19 Management Guidance with self-assessment checklist for RMG factories in Bangladesh

Backing organization: Better Work Bangladesh (Author), Endorsed by ILO & IFC

“This  Guide  is  developed  by  Better  Work  Vietnam,  based  on  the  guidance  from  Ministry  of Health  of  Vietnam,  World  Health  Organization  and through  consultation  with  the  Labour Inspectorate  of  Ministry  of  Labour,  Invalids  and  Social  Affairs to  support  BWV  factories  to mitigate the risks to their operation in the context of the outbreak, as well as maintaining social dialogue,  and  compliance  asa  means  to ensure  viable  business  operationduring  the emergency situation.” (Better Work Bangladesh)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Canada

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Canada.

COVID-19: EMPLOYEE RE-INTEGRATION BEST PRACTICES FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE

Backing organization: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

As the curve begins to flatten in some Canadian jurisdictions, employers across the country are wondering when the time will be right to bring employees back to work. Manufacturing office workers have been working remotely for many weeks. While the sector has been designated as an essential service, some companies have nonetheless had to place large groups of employees on temporary layoff as new business orders dried up or supply chain issues impacted operations. The timing of an eventual mass return to work will differ by jurisdiction as public health officials work diligently to develop the criteria for re-opening the country. Regardless of when our workforce is recalled, it’s never too soon to think about how your business will re-integrate scores of employees who have been working from home or who have been temporarily out of the workforce. This tip sheet contains best practices to guide manufacturers as they create return to work plans for their teams.” (Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters)

Covid-19: Social Distancing In The Manufacturing Workplace : Protocols And Guidelines

Backing organization: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Along with hand hygiene, social distancing is one of the most important tools in our fight to control the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, means avoiding or limiting contact with others wherever possible. The Government of Canada’s current guidance on social distancing can generally be applied to most manufacturing work environments by making changes in everyday routines to minimize close contact with others. This may include limiting exposure to crowded places, temporarily prohibiting certain common greetings like handshakes, and creating a distance of at least two meters between employees, as much as possible. And most importantly, ensuring that any worker feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of illness stays home is critical to keeping your workforce, and your business, healthy.(Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters)

Guidelines for Healthy and Safe Operations during COVID-19 Pandemic

Backing organization: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Employers across Canada are required under occupational health and safety legislation to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Employers need to utilize all measures practicable to minimize worker exposure to COVID-19. Work practices and procedures need to protect not only organizational staff, but also other individuals who may enter their facilities”. (Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters)

Health and Safety Guidelines: India

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in India.

Guidelines for Workplace of COVID-19 case

Backing organization: India’s Ministry of Health and Family welfare

“Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace.” (India’s Ministry of Health and Family welfare)

SOPs for Social Distancing for Offices, Workplaces, Factories and Establishments

Backing organization: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

“Consolidated Revised Guidelines on the measures to be taken by the Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State/UT Governments and State/ UT authorities for containment of COVID-19 in the country. ” (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Indonesia

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Indonesia.

Compilation of Guidelines on Covid-19 Transmission, Prevention and Management

Backing organization: Better Work Indonesia

“As part of its wide-ranging response to the Coronavirus emergency, Better Work Indonesia (BWI) has compiled a collection of guidelines on transmission, prevention and handling of Covid-19 based on guidance from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower and other relevant Ministries of the Republic of Indonesia, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions.” (Better Work Indonesia)

Factory Operation Guidelines- Circular No. 4/2020

Backing organization: Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry

“This circular is issued to ensure the continuity of business and the implementation of industrial activities that are directly related to economic and social aspects.” (Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Jordan

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Jordan.

Guide for companies and workplaces

Backing organization: Jordan Ministry of Health

“The necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection in companies and workplaces.” (Jordan Ministry of Health)

Guide for Large Industrial Establishments

Backing organization: Jordan Ministry of Health

“These SOPs shall apply on all establishments depending on each establishment’s current situation (Jordan Ministry of Health)

Qualified Industrial Zone SOPs

Backing organization: Jordan Ministry of Health

“Factories are inside the qualified industrial zones, on condition that they are situated within a closed area. The workers’ dorms are inside the industrial zone to ensure that workers do not leave the zone, and upon receipt approval of the Ministerial Committee of Work Continuation and the Epidemics’ Committee (Jordan Ministry of Health)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Pakistan

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Pakistan.

SOPs-INDUSTRIAL UNITS/STORES INDUSTRIES, COMMERCE, INVESTMENT & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Backing organization: Government of Punjab, Pakistan

“It is mandatory for all and any type of industrial unit operating in Punjab as well as all Industrial Estates, public or privately managed, to display the above instructions at every prominent place as well as follow the instructions in letter and spirit. (Government of Punjab, Pakistan)

Preventive Measurements for Industries and Workers against COVID19 Ensuring Supply of Essential Goods in the times of COVID-19 Outbreak

Backing organization: Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination

“Industrial workers are also exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection with an outbreak pathogen,in this case COVID-19. Hazards include long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, and occupational burnout. These protocols have been designed in order to minimize the potential for contracting COVID-19 and subsequently reducing its spread at industrial level including specific measures needed to protect occupational safety and health” (Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination)

National Action Plan for Corona virus disease (COVID-19) Pakistan

Backing organization: Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination

“The National action plan will serve as a policy document for ensuring that all guiding principles for outbreak preparedness, containment and mitigation are followed. ” (Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination)

SOPs – Workplaces and Industry, Government of Singh

Backing organization: Home Department, Government of Sindh, Pakistan

“The objective of these SOPs is to ensure that all activities that are permitted to be carried on during the Covid-19 Pandemic (related to food/Agriculture, Medicine/Health, and such other related activities declared as essential for day to day life during this Pandemic or such other activities /operations that have been specifically allowed through an order by the Government) are carried on in a manner that ensures prevention of the spread of Corona Virus/Covid-19.” (Home Department, Government of Sindh, Pakistan, April 14, 2020)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Turkey

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Turkey.

Protection and Control Measures for the Protection of Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MTI) during the Pandemic Period

Backing organization: Turkish Ministry of Health

“Measures to be taken for the Protection of Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MTI) during the Pandemic Period.” (Turkish Ministry of Health)

Protection and Control Measures in Bank Branches

Backing organization: Turkish Ministry of Health

“New Coronary Virus Disease (COVID-19) is common in the world. Bank branches, which may play a role in the spread of disease in our country and where there is intense human traffic, should be taken care of protection and control measures to reduce the risk of infection..” (Turkish Ministry of Health)

Protection and Control Measures in Food Markets

Backing organization: Turkish Ministry of Health

“The basic infection prevention and control principles recommended to be applied in food markets to reduce the risk of general infection […]” (Turkish Ministry of Health)

Health and Safety Guidelines: United States (USA)

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in the United States (USA).

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Backing organization: CDC

“The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. (CDC has provided separate guidance for healthcare settings.) This guidance also provides planning considerations for community spread of COVID-19..” (CDC)

OSHA Covid19 Guidance for the Workplace Wiki

Backing organization: CDC

“All sections of our society – including businesses and employers – must play a role if we are to stop the spread of this disease. This guidance will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to staff in non-healthcare settings on:

  • The novel coronavirus, COVID-19
  • How to help prevent spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19
  • What to do if someone with suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in the workplace
  • Advice on travel and meetings
  • Further information and resources”

(CDC)

OSHA Guidelines on Preparing Workplaces for Covid19

Backing organization: CDC

“This guidance is intended for planning purposes. Employers and workers should use this planning guidance to help identify risk levels in workplace settings and to determine any appropriate control measures to implement. Additional guidance may be needed as COVID-19 outbreak conditions change, including as new information about the virus, its transmission, and impacts, becomes available.” (CDC)

Health and Safety Guidelines: Vietnam

Please read below for examples of health and safety guidelines, curated by local authorities and NGOs, specifically developed to meet the needs of your facilities based in Vietnam.

Guide For Better Response to Covid-19

Backing organization: Better Work Vietnam

“This  Guide  is  developed  by  Better  Work  Vietnam,  based  on  the  guidance  from  Ministry  of Health  of  Vietnam,  World  Health  Organization  and through  consultation  with  the  Labour Inspectorate  of  Ministry  of  Labour,  Invalids  and  Social  Affairs to  support  BWV  factories  to mitigate the risks to their operation in the context of the outbreak, as well as maintaining social dialogue,  and  compliance  as a  means  to ensure  viable  business  operation during  the emergency situation.” (Better Work Vietnam)

Decision Regarding the issuance of the set of indicators for Coronavirus infection risk assessment at Enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City

Backing organization:Vietnam Government, HCMC City Government

“Regarding the issuance of the set of indicators for Coronavirus infection risk assessment at enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City.” (Steering Committee For COVID-19 Control and Prevention of Ho Chi Minh City)

What can workers and employers do in the COVID-19 Crisis

Backing organization: ILO

“Workers’ organizations can play an important role in participating in decision making and policies responses to the crisis on COVID-19.” (ILO)

Labour plan options for Enterprises affected by COVID-19

Backing organization: Better Work Vietnam

“The objective of this Guide is not to suggest or recommend employers and workers to follow any specific option or a combination of options, but to adequately inform employers and workers about:
• Labour plan options – as regulated by Vietnam law.
• Advantages and disadvantages of each option, for workers and for employers
• How to enhance social dialogue and labour compliance while implementing the labour plan..” (Better Work Vietnam)

Find out how you can quickly and easily implement health and safety guidelines at your own facilities using Inspectorio Rise.