The Global Plan of Action for Workers’ Health Managers Announced

The Global Plan of Action for Workers’ Health (GPA), which was endorsed by the Sixtieth World Health Assembly in May 2007, includes 5 objectives for WHO Member States and WHO activities in workers’ health until 2017. The WHO and the Global Network of Collaborating Centres in Occupational Health have structured their GPA 2009-2012 Work Plan to align current projects with the objectives in the GPA and to identify existing gaps.

In order to achieve substantial results by 2012, priority areas have been identified within each of the 5 objectives of the GPA. During November, the WHO Secretariat will issue a ‘call’ to Collaborating Centre Directors for projects that intensively address these priorities.

We are pleased that the 2006-2010 Work Plan Activity Area Managers have agreed to continue to the support towards the implementation of the 2009-2012 Work Plan, however in a new role of managing project activities within the 5 GPA objectives as GPA Managers. With the reorganization, you may now be contacted by a new Manager; therefore we would like to introduce you to the GPA Objectives, the GPA Managers, and the new priorities.

GPA Objective 1: Devise and implement policy instruments on workers’ health

	Claudina Nogueira

GPA Manager: Claudina Nogueira, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg (claudina.nogueira@nioh.nhls.ac.za)

Priority 1: Develop guidance for national action plans on workers’ health, including vulnerable groups (Action 1.9). Projects include inventory of action plans, evaluation of national plans and lessons learned.

Priority 2: Develop and disseminate evidence-based prevention tools and raise awareness for the elimination of silica-related diseases (Action 1.10). Projects include interventions for primary prevention, control of exposures and diagnosis of diseases.

Priority 3: Develop and disseminate evidence-based prevention tools and raise awareness for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases (Action 1.10). Projects include mapping what exists in various countries, gaps (including legislation and enforcement) and tools for countries and development banks.

Priority 4: Conduct studies and develop evidence-based tools and information materials for the comprehensive protection and promotion of health for health care workers, emphasizing HBV immunization. (Action 1.10). Projects include guidance documents, assistance to countries for implementing programs, and training on national programs.

GPA Objective 2: Protect and promote health at the workplace

	Aditya Jain

	Stavroula Leka

GPA Managers: Stavroula Leka and Aditya Jain University of Nottingham, UK (stavroula.leka@nottingham.ac.uk and aditya.jain@nottingham.ac.uk)

Priority 1: Develop practical tools for the assessment and management of occupational risks (with a focus on chemical, physical, biological and psychosocial risks) (Action 2.11). Projects include inventory, framework document, mapping of use and types of tools, evaluation, and definition of toolkits.

Priority 2: Develop a global framework and guidance on healthy workplaces (Action 2.13). Projects include review of effectiveness of existing programmes for healthy workplaces, and development of tools for creating healthy workplaces including a health-promoting culture.

Priority 3: Develop sectoral toolkits for the assessment and management of occupational risks in the most hazardous sectors (with a focus on agriculture, construction and transport) (Action 2.15). Projects include guidance on best practices for assessment and management of occupational risks and development of sector specific training materials and programmes.

Priority 4: Develop toolkits for the assessment and management of global health threats including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, emphasizing vulnerable groups, in particular migrant workers. (Action 2.15)

GPA Objective 3: Improve the performance of and access to occupational health services

	Timo Leino

GPA Manager: Timo Leino Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (timo.leino@ttl.fi)

Priority 1: Establish and evaluate basic occupational health services that are relevant, accessible, acceptable, affordable and of good quality (Action 3.16), including: collection of good practices for organization and delivery of BOHS for underserved populations, review of financing models, hosting international forums, adaptation and dissemination of informational products.

Priority 2: Create or participate in national and regional stakeholder coalitions and exchange practical and scientific support to expand and improve the delivery of basic occupational health services (Action 3.17). Projects include conferences, participation in existing programs, guidelines and best practices documents, WHO website for BOHS, training and education and other facilities.

Priority 3: Adapt and disseminate curricula, training materials and training for international capacity building in occupational health, including development of model courses for basic occupational health services and introduction of occupational health into professional education (Action 3.18). Projects include technical assistance to countries, organizing and conducting international courses and on-line training, and establishment of national training programmes in low and medium income countries.

GPA Objective 4: Provide and communicate evidence for action and practice

	Ed Robinson

	Jo Harris Roberts

GPA Managers: Jo Harris Roberts and Ed Robinson Health and Safety Laboratory, UK (Jo.Harris-Roberts@hsl.gov.uk and Edward.Robinson@hsl.gov.uk)

Priority 1: Encourage practical research on emerging issues, including nano-materials and climate change (Action 4.21). Projects include communication with low and medium income countries of interventions to ensure worker health.

Priority 2: Generate and review evidence and prepare recommendations for the incorporation of occupational causes of diseases in to the 11th revision of the ICD (Action 20).

Priority 3: Further develop the global research agenda for workers health (Action 21). Projects include the development and utilization of a global research evidence matrix (GREM) approach to review existing activities and evidence to help identify current gaps in relevant research.

GPA Objective 5: Incorporate workers’ health into non-health policies and projects

	Wendy Macdonald

GPA Manager: Wendy Macdonald LaTrobe University (W.Macdonald@latrobe.edu.au)

Priority 1: Collate and conduct studies to clarify the economic benefits of workers’ health (Action 5.24).

Priority 2: Develop specific and relevant recommendations to manage risks associated with the effects of globalization on workers’ health (Action 5.24). Projects include guidance for development banks and non-health sector entities to improve workers' health and safety.

The GPA Managers will be supported by Evelyn Kortum, Marilyn Fingerhut and Leslie Nickels, who will work with you to achieve substantial results by 2012 in advancing the GPA.

Global Plan of Action for Workers’ Health (GPA): http://www.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA60/A60_R26-en.pdf