March 12, 2021 Labor law, News No Comments

Corona Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance extended

The Federal Cabinet has extended the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance, which expired on March 15. This ordinance, which was issued back in January, is intended to extend the SARS-CoV2 occupational health and safety standard. In view of the rising incidence figures, there are still no signs of any relaxation in this area.

The current regulations on occupational health and safety and the reduction of operational personnel contacts therefore remain in place. These measures are intended to further stabilize the incidence of infection and minimize social contacts.

No significant innovations

The ordinance already issued in January 2021 will not be significantly amended as part of the extension. Only individual clarifications and clarifications have been made. For example, it has been specified that medical masks must always be used as protective masks and that FFP2 masks must also be used for special requirements. More detailed specifications on operational hygiene concepts have also been added.

The current regulation is due to expire on April 30, 2021. It remains to be seen whether this will actually expire on the planned date or be extended again.

Significance for employers

For employers, everything will therefore remain the same for the time being. Accordingly, they are still obliged to offer their employees the opportunity to work from home, provided there are no compelling operational reasons to the contrary. This regulation is at the heart of the ordinance. The aim is not only to reduce the number of employees present on company premises, but also the number of commuters moving around in public spaces.

If work must be carried out at the workplace, employers must organize small, fixed work groups wherever possible. In addition, a minimum area of 10 m² per person must be provided in the workrooms. Furthermore, employers are still obliged to provide and use high-quality masks.