The risk and strain of working during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Key workers suffered higher mortality rates from COVID‐19 than non‐key workers, as a result of their greater exposure to the virus. However, mortality rates varied among key workers, with transport workers suffering the highest mortality rates. The findings reveal the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) protections, as well as the benefits of working in formal workplaces with collective representation, as this enabled many key workers to better cope with the increased demands and risks of working during the pandemic. The chapter also delves into the experience of key enterprises that provided goods and services deemed essential by governments and who faced many challenges operating, including managing disrupted supply chains, financial uncertainty, declines in investment, problems with staffing, and implementing emergency OSH guidelines. These issues were more acute for micro and small enterprises.