Business
The Ministry of Labor updated the workplace health protocol on May 19. Pending an update intended to “make teleworking more flexible”, it covers ventilation of the premises, self-tests and vaccination.
The new health protocol, entered into force on May 19, 2021, mainly includes new measures for work on site.
Recommended room ventilation
Following the advice of the High Council for Public Health, the Ministry of Labor recommends that the premises be ventilated as much as possible, with a view to a larger return to the office. “Control of aeration / ventilation is an essential measure for preventing situations at risk of aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2”, can we read in the document.
In the absence of a properly functioning ventilation system, the protocol recommends ventilating the premises. “By natural or mechanical ventilation in working order (doors and / or windows open as much as possible, ideally permanently if conditions allow it and at least 5 minutes every hour)”. A ventilation of the room by two distinct points (door and window for example) must be privileged.
Companies, if they can, are also encouraged to measure carbon dioxide in the air with a CO2 detector.
Companies can offer self-tests
The new protocol authorizes companies to offer self-tests to their employees, “In compliance with the rules of voluntary service and medical confidentiality, and with information to the employee by a health professional”. If a test is positive, the employee concerned must isolate themselves at their home.
READ ALSO: Covid-19: The health protocol for companies is not mandatory
Vaccination: employers invited to be flexible
The employer is also invited to authorize employees to be absent during their working hours to be vaccinated; provided they go through the company’s health department. “The employee informs his employer of his absence for a medical examination without having to specify the reason”, thus indicates the text.
Telework, mask, collective catering: no changes, until June 9
The rules on teleworking 5 days out of 5 when the activity allows it, with the possibility of returning on site one day for employees who express the need, are maintained.
Just like those concerning the wearing of the mask inside and outside, and those related to collective catering in companies.
The protocol continues to make the wearing of the mask “systematic” in closed collective places. For employees working alone in a registered office, “They do not have to wear the mask when they are alone”. For outdoor workers, wearing a mask remains “Necessary in the event of regrouping or of inability to respect the distance of one meter between persons”.
Regarding the rules of distancing, the employer must continue to define a “gauge” specifying the number of people who can be present simultaneously in the same space. And allow a distance of two meters between people, in all directions.
Finally, with regard to company catering, employees must continue to eat alone while respecting a free space of 8 m² around them (two meters apart between each person), whether they are having lunch at their office or in the company canteen.
As a reminder, on October 19, 2020, the Council of State clarified the scope of the national health protocol intended for companies. According to the institution, it only constitutes a “set of recommendations” enabling employers to comply with their safety obligation. This document is therefore not binding.
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