Dear clients,

as many of you have noticed, a new emergency measure issued by the Ministry of Health concerning respiratory protective equipment (full text available here) is effective from midnight today.

The relevant change for employers is:

In principle, therefore, if an employee performs work in one place:

• he does not need to wear a veil if no other person is present;

• in the above-mentioned regions, he does not have to wear a veil even if only his co-workers are present.

Unfortunately, the measure does not specify what exactly is meant by the performance of work in "one place" or who can be considered a "co-worker". For both categories, it will be necessary to interpret their scope according to the context of the specific situation.

Furthermore, the exemption for employees performing work in category III. or IV. for the heat factor risk factor remains in force.

Employers also have a duty to equip employees with protective equipment in sufficient quantity for each work shift (with the exception of employees who do not come into physical contact with other persons at the time of work - e.g. home office).

In case of any questions about the above, we of course remain available to you.