Hazards 149, January-March 2020
FEATURES
EXPOSED It wasn’t a microscopic virus that caused the shutdown of entire countries. Hazards editor Rory O’Neill notes the new coronavirus pandemic could persist because public health is not a high enough priority and most workers do not have the sick pay and employment protection necessary to survive. more
OUTBREAK As entire nations go into a coronavirus shutdown, unions are playing a crucial role in ensuring all workers, including those keeping health and essential services viable, are protected. more
PHOTOFILE
GOLD PRICE Venezuelans working in the country’s highly profitable but illegal gold mines are suffering amputations and other horrific abuses at the hands of armed groups, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned. It says the Venezuelan “syndicates” and Colombian armed groups carrying out the abuses seem to operate largely with government acquiescence, and in some cases government involvement. more
POSTER
DROP DEAD Whether the threat at work is another new virus, dangerous substances or heartbreaking demands, your life should not be on the line. A Hazards pin-up-at-work poster for Workers' Memorial Day, 28 April.
ELSEWHERE IN HAZARDS
Work and health 10-11. News in brief, 12-15. Working hours, 18-19. Stress and health, 20-23. Work suicide, 30-31. Hazardous substances, 34-35. Violence at work, 36-37. Deadly business, 38-41. Workplace justice, 42-43. International news, 44-45.
