The federal government's new ten-point plan is designed to protect workers from possible contagion when they return to work. Here you can find out what there is to consider and what measures you can count on.
The corona pandemic has literally turned our lives upside down in the past few weeks. Closed shops, a duty to wear a face mask and barrier regulations are just a few of the measures that can be taken to combat the wave of infections. Our everyday work is also badly affected – home office and short-time work are the order of the day for many of us. In the meantime, however, the first signs of easing can be felt. Shops open again and some are allowed to return to their workplaces.
In order to keep the risk of infection as low as possible despite the easing, Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil presented a ten-point plan to the government, which is intended to provide special protection for workers in the current situation. Here we have summarized the most important points from the so-called "occupational safety standard COVID 19":
- Occupational safety plus infection protection: First of all, it is important to know that occupational health and safety continues to apply, but so-called infection protection is added. This should be dynamically adjusted by employers to the pandemic and the operational circumstances.
- Home office: The following applies: If possible, employees in open-plan offices should be granted home offices. Regular virtual meetings and a clear work structure are essential to keep the team together. Employees who have no option to work from their home office must now also expect uniform regulations at their workplace.
- Safety distance: The safety distance from at least 1.5 meters is also law on work. Barriers, markings or partitions should support this regulation. Any modifications to the warranty must therefore be carried out by the employer.
- Organization: In addition, should Work processes organized precisely to keep contact between individuals as low as possible. Workers are explicitly prohibited from coming to work sick.
- Protection against infection: In addition, the occupational health care be expanded – this means that company doctors and occupational safety specialists are available to advise the employee. Companies are also obliged to provide their employees with the necessary preventive occupational medical care. This is of course voluntary and can be used anonymously by employees.
- hygiene: At work sufficient washing facilities and disinfectants to be available. If contact between people is unavoidable despite modifications and planned work processes, protective masks (and possibly even protective clothing) must be provided.
- Transparency: Of course, the employer is responsible for actively communicating the new measures in the company. It is also extremely important for pandemic prevention in the company to maintain transparency. This means that if you are infected, you should contact the relevant contact person directly to prevent further possible infections.
- Protection of risk groups: In addition, should Risk groups, i.e. workers over the age of 60 or people with corresponding previous illnesses, receive special protection and individual advice.
- implementation: The occupational safety association also emphasizes the importance of complying with the new measures. The performance of the company is only guaranteed if the employees remain healthy.
Good to know: If the protective measures in your company are not complied with, employees can complain to the supervisory authority. In all respects, compliance with the new measures is an appeal to the personal responsibility of all employees and employers; controls are only carried out by random checks.
It remains open whether the new regulations are sufficient to prevent another wave of infections. In any case, we are happy to be able to take a step towards normalcy. After all, in times like these, you realize how important a regular work routine is for ourselves and our mental health.
Are you still stuck in the home office? Then take a look at our seven furnishing tips for your workplace at home to be able to separate work and private life a little better, at least in terms of space.
Would you like to read more about the topic and exchange ideas with other women? Then check out the "Coronavirus Forum" of the BRIGITTE community!
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