Impact on the world of work
During a major influenza pandemic, the number of patients would be 15 to 35% and the absenteeism rate could reach a peak of 40% at the peak of a major pandemic: this absenteeism rate takes into account sick employees, but also those who must be absent to take care of family members or look after their children due to the closure of nurseries and schools or unable to travel to work because of the disorganization and scarcity of public transport.
In the case of the working environment, depending on the nature of professional activities and hygiene behaviors, workers may be exposed to biological agents through several routes of access:
— inhalation through the respiratory route to the pulmonary alveoli, the long cohabitation of several people in offices, hospital rooms, nurseries, retirement homes, in shops, public transport vehicles... Defective ventilation of premises leads to significant air pollution: respiratory diseases due to airborne viruses and bacteria then spread easily, especially when sick people sneeze, cough and squint.
— skin contact with contaminated objects and oral ingestion and swallowing of infected particles. Handled after skin contact or ingested directly, is carried out by swallowing dust particles or liquid droplets present on contaminated hands, face, clothing or instruments or work surfaces or in food and drink. Oral penetration occurs either by accidental ingestion of a product or by swallowing a product, or by direct contact, by bringing dirty hands or objects to the mouth, or by drinking or swallowing food.
Employer's obligation
Under article L.4121-1 of the Labor Code, the employer must take measures to ensure the safety and protect the physical and mental health of its employees.
The following measures should be taken to prevent the risk of an epidemic, as already established to prevent the H1N1 flu epidemic. They are detailed in a searchable government communication hither.
“The updating of the single risk assessment document provided for in article R. 4121-2 of the Labor Code is necessary due to the current epidemic linked to the COVID-19 virus. It makes it possible to provide adequate prevention and protection measures, including, for example, the securing of installations in degraded mode if necessary.”
Preventive measures and protection of personnel from pandemic risk
Provide employees with information through displays and internal communications on the methods of transmission of the virus and the appropriate prevention measures
- Suspend group activities such as business lunches, face-to-face meetings and training, symposiums or seminars. Organize videoconferences, or systematically use other means of telecontact, or e-learning.
- Proscribe employee travel to risk areas and “quarantine” returning employees at home, on sick leave or teleworking even without the employee's consent (article L. 1222-11 of the Labour Code in the face of the epidemic threat).
- Massively promote the implementation of teleworking.
Establish a business continuity plan (BCA)) making it possible to anticipate the functioning of the company despite absences due to illness or confinement of employees.
Update the DUER (single document) in view of the specific risks of Covid-19. This makes it possible to involve the CSE in the definition of preventive measures.
[source: MINISTRY OF LABOUR — https://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/ ]
Symalean — Security module
The Security module provides the company with the functionality for digitally drafting, and updating, the Single Document.
With its functionality and ease of use, faced with this health emergency situation, SYMALEAN offers the possibility of being able to update and revise the Single Document, taking into account the pandemic/COVID19 risk, with the formalization of preventive measures recommended by the Ministry of Labor.
With a single digital tool, therefore, the possibility of registering the hazard, evaluating the associated risk (specific for each industrial reality) and implementing the necessary preventive measures, while complying with a legal obligation, which provides that all these elements are contained in the latest update of the Single Document.
Print your PDF or paper version and make it available to the CHSCT or interested parties.
