Preventive measures during the corona crisis: are your employees sufficiently protected?

Which preventive measures does this concern?

The mandatory measures depend, amongst other things, on the sector in which you operate. The National Security Council has therefore defined 3 categories:

• Shops and businesses that must close (with exceptions)
• Critical sector companies and essential services
• Other enterprises
  

Depending on the category in which your company operates, certain preventive measures must be adopted in order to continue operations as effectively as possible, with the emphasis on the health of your employees and customers. These measures range from implementing teleworking to rules on social distancing.

How can I develop my prevention policy?

Organising and adhering to these measures is no easy matter. Each company has its own individual operations and organisational structure. A coherent prevention policy must build on existing risk analyses in the context of safety, health and well-being at work.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly, it is important to take the following steps:

• Conduct a risk analysis and identify your company’s risks. 
• Devise a prevention plan containing concrete action points.
• Execute the actions and monitor and amend where necessary.

We recommend coordinating with internal and external services for prevention and protection at work. They can help you to identify the risks and develop a concrete plan.

How can I apply social distancing?

Strict adherence to social distancing rules is more important than ever. There are consequently a number of key prevention measures that must be applied:

• Maintain a minimum 1.5 metre distance between all employees
• Limit the congregation of groups of people in one room
• Opt for segregated working wherever the work permits
• Conduct meetings using alternative methods, such as video conferencing, or use loudspeakers to disseminate messages
• Do not shake hands and avoid any other forms of greeting that involve contact
• Implement stringent hygiene measures and ensure that your employees are able to wash and disinfect their hands frequently
• Provide protective clothing when employees have to work closely together or in high-risk situations
• Eliminate or limit as much non-essential travel as possible

There are numerous additional prevention measures, depending on the sector in which you operate. A clear risk analysis can quickly identify the necessary measures.

Require advice?

Our knowledge and experience in the field of current prevention legislation and the security measures imposed by the National Security Council enable us to assist you with a direct and practical approach tailored to your enterprise.

Require help in devising a prevention policy? Or would you like our assistance in examining your existing prevention measures? Then please contact your account manager or one of our specialists via corona@vdl.be.