As Covid-19 restrictions are increasingly loosening, many companies and organizations are considering how to safely resume operations. EU-OSHA's interactive online risk assessment platform - OiRA has developed a special tool to support this process.
The interactive tool can help identify hazards from Covid-19 identify, assess and manage to ensure workers can return to a safe and healthy work environment. It covers a range of situations, such as the following: What to do when a worker exhibits Covid 19 symptoms, how to ensure physical distance in the workplace, and how to deal with outside service providers.
The OiRA tool to Covid-19 is available to national OiRA partners, who can adapt it to their national regulations and situations. For some industries, it will be necessary to supplement these OiRA recommendations with industry-specific requirements.
At its meeting on August 12, 2020, the Federal Council decided to allow events with more than 1000 people again from October 1, 2020. The ban was valid until August 31 and has now been extended by one month until the end of September. In addition, a mask wearing obligation in the aircraft applies from August 15.
Editorial - August 12, 2020
Coronavirus: large-scale events will be possible again from October 1, 2020, under strict conditions and with approval.
Strict protective measures apply and the cantons must approve the events. In doing so, the cantons must epidemiological situation and take into account their capacities for contact tracing. In this way, the Federal Council wants to ensure that the situation in Switzerland does not deteriorate. At the same time, with this cautious opening step, it is taking into account the needs of society as well as the economic interests of sports clubs and cultural organizers.
The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) is instructed to work out, together with the responsible departments and the cantons, uniform licensing requirements for major events by September 2. These are to apply to all areas, such as sport, culture or religion. In addition to the basic measures such as keeping a distance or hygiene, guard rails are to be established. The recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Science Task Force. A permit from the responsible canton is required for the event. The cantons can also refuse to issue the permit if their epidemiological situation and contact tracing capacities do not allow the event to be held.
Event ban extended until end of September
Events with more than 1000 people have been banned in Switzerland since February 28, 2020. This ban is one of the central measures with which the number of infections with the coronavirus could be reduced. It is valid until August 31 and will now be extended by one month until the end of September. This gives the cantons time to prepare the licensing regime and, if necessary, to increase contact tracing capacity.
With this approach, the Federal Council wants to ensure that the epidemiological situation does not deteriorate further. At the same time, it takes account of social needs, such as a diverse cultural life and sports offerings, as well as economic interests. Not all major events entail the same risks. For example, there are major events for which the minimum distance can be largely observed.
New: Obligation to wear a mask in the aircraft
The Federal Council has also decided that a mask must also be worn in aircraft from August 15. Already since July 6, the following applies in the public transport a mask carrying obligation. The measure affects all Scheduled and charter flightsthat take off or land in Switzerland, regardless of the airline.
Exceptions to the quarantine for diplomats
Foreign diplomats are exempt from the Quarantine obligation exempt from quarantine if their entry is necessary for the functioning of the embassies. Swiss diplomats are now also exempt from quarantine for necessary official activities.
One-time expenditures to address the Covid 19 pandemic.
The management of the Covid 19 pandemic will lead to various additional expenses at the Federal Office of Public Health in 2020, for example for campaign work, the operation of hotlines or the development of the Corona app. The Federal Council is therefore requesting a supplementary credit for the management of the Covid 19 pandemic of CHF 31.6 million for 2020.
Traveling through Europe by car, motor home, motorcycle or bicycle? Before you leave Switzerland with your own vehicle, you need to prepare a few things. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to adapt your own vehicle equipment to the requirements of the destination country.
Good planning of the Vacation trip saves time and hassle. Does the vehicle's equipment comply with the various road laws of European countries? First aid kit in Italy and Austria - Fire extinguishers in Greece, Poland and Latvia The CH sticker and the breakdown triangle are part of the basic equipment for carefree travel by car throughout Europe. The majority of countries also require the carrying of a Safety vest according to the European standard EN 471. The use of this vest in case of breakdown is mandatory on French roads and in Italy in case of poor visibility outside cities. A First aid kit must be on board when driving in Austria. In Greece, Poland or Latvia, carrying a fire extinguisher is mandatory. Some cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain or even the Czech Republic require an environmental badge. It is therefore important to inform yourself about the environmental measures of the respective countries before departure.
Caution when parking with the camper or caravan In principle, the same rules apply to campers and caravans as to passenger cars. However, depending on the country, there are specific regulations for their use. A category B driving license allows you to drive a camper with a weight of up to 3.5 tons or to drive a minibus with a maximum of 9 seats and a trailer weighing 750 kg. For larger vehicles, a category C, D or higher driver's license is required. In Italy, camping buses and caravan trailers weighing more than 3.5 tons must be equipped with reflective speed vignettes. These show the maximum speed on freeways (80 km/h) attached to the right-hand side and the maximum speed outside towns (70 km/h) on the left-hand side. The sites allowed for campers and caravans are strictly regulated in Europe. Only Sweden allows wild camping throughout the country. The TCS has summarized the applicable regulations in Europe for campers and caravans on its website.
Every year in Switzerland, 950 children up to the age of 14 are involved in road accidents while walking, scooting or cycling - 40 % of them on their way to school. A total of 190 children are seriously injured in these accidents each year, and seven lose their lives. Crossing the road is particularly tricky, even on the supposedly "safe" pedestrian crossing. With its safety campaign, the BFU reminds all drivers to pay double attention at the start of the school year.
On foot, by scooter or by bicycle - every year 950 children up to the age of 14 have an accident in Switzerland. Road traffic. 190 children are seriously injured and seven children are killed each year. In 40 % of the cases, the children have an accident on their way to school. At the start of school, the BFU safety campaign The BFU therefore reminds drivers of their special responsibility along routes to school. The BFU implements this with the support of the police. It is financed by the Road Safety Fund.
Children often behave surprisingly on the sidewalk, the street and at and on the pedestrian crossing and thus put themselves in danger. They do not do this on purpose, but because they are children. For example, they have a limited field of vision due to their height. Depending on their age, their awareness of danger is not yet very well developed. And they are more easily distracted. For children up to around 10 years of age, it is also difficult to judge how fast a car is traveling on the road.
Pedestrian crossing only supposedly safe
Crossing the street is particularly tricky. Because: Children also surprise other road users there. For this reason, the BFU advises drivers to slow down in front of a pedestrian crossing, to always be ready to brake and to always come to a complete stop - especially when children want to cross the road. It is also important never to overtake at a pedestrian crossing and to around schools to drive especially carefully.
Parents and caregivers also have an important role to play. They can show children the right way to behave at pedestrian crossings: Wait until all vehicles stop. Walk across the street, don't run. Parents should also practice walking to school with their child before school starts.
The BFU and Suva have opened proceedings against importers and distributors who placed defective FFP respirators (not to be confused with hygiene masks) on the market in Switzerland. Recalls and sales bans are expected for the affected models. Importers, distributors and employers are urged to exercise increased caution. BFU and Suva show which features to look for when purchasing FFP respirators.
The BFU and Suva have an effect in Switzerland in accordance with Product Safety Act PrSG as market surveillance authorities for personal protective equipment (PPE), which also includes respirators of the FFP type. These respirators - recognizable, among other things, by their curved shape - are not to be confused with hygiene masks, which have a rectangular shape (cf. pictures). Swissmedic is the responsible market surveillance authority for the latter.
Within a short period of time, the Covid 19 pandemic led to an increased Demand for respirators. In order to ensure the necessary supply, especially in the healthcare sector, the Federal Council eased the import conditions for personal protective equipment with a special regulation at the beginning of April. With a simplified test, it is now possible to place respiratory protection masks on the market. Subsequently, Suva and BFU noticed on the basis of license applications, inquiries and reports that numerous defective products had come into circulation.
Over 60 percent with insufficient protective effect
As part of the above-mentioned legal mandate for market surveillance, the BFU and Suva jointly inspected around 60 respirators available in Switzerland in a concentrated random sampling program. The products, most of which were purchased online and most of which were labeled KN95, were tested for effectiveness in a Suva laboratory. Most of the results are now available: More than 60 percent of the tested models do not offer sufficient protection. The BFU and Suva therefore call on all players who currently import, sell or use respirators to exercise increased caution.
This is what you need to pay attention to
The exact test results are part of ongoing proceedings on which no comment is possible at present for legal reasons. However, there are typical characteristics, the absence of which raises doubts about the quality of FFP respirators:
The respirator should bear the CE mark followed by a four-digit number corresponding to the identification number of the supervising notified body. For example: CE 0121
The packaging should bear the CE mark with the same identification number as on the mask, plus the standard designation "EN 149:2001+A1:2009" and the address of a distributor in the EU or Switzerland.
The user information should be accompanied by a copy of the declaration of conformity with reference to a type examination according to EN 149:2001+A1:2009 - or an internet address where the declaration of conformity can be accessed.
Identical information on the manufacturer and company address should be present on the packaging and in the declaration of conformity.
Alternatively, a Corona Pandemic Respirator (CPA), which does not have the above features, is also possible for infection protection.
The BFU and Suva recommend that FFP masks be purchased from specialty stores or approved suppliers.
Official proceedings have been opened against the distributors (importers and dealers) of FFP respirators classified as defective by the BFU and Suva. In the process, measures are being defined to Users from possible health risks. Recalls or sales bans are planned for products with proven defects. Public recalls are published on the website of the Consumer Affairs Bureau BFK.
In parallel to the ongoing proceedings, the BFU and Suva process further notifications regarding defective products. Products that are the subject of a complaint can be subjected to an inspection in individual cases; if necessary, measures are ordered. The AAIB is responsible for the market surveillance of products used outside the company, while Suva is responsible for the control of products used in operations. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO is the supervisory authority.
For working environment only FFP respirators are sufficient
Respirators that have not been placed on the market in accordance with the PPE Ordinance or EN149, e.g. KN95 masks, are not suitable for work situations involving dust emissions. In addition, respirators that have been placed on the market under the facilitated import conditions decided by the Federal Council are limited to infection protection and must not be designated as FFP respirators. Where an FFP respirator is prescribed for reasons of occupational safety, it is mandatory that such a respirator be used.
The current SAFETY-PLUS 3/20 of 16.09.2020 will include a technical article on the subject of FIT testing of respirators. Subscribe today to the SAFETY-PLUS.
"No risk - no fun"?
During the summer season, countless Swiss people are once again drawn to the outdoors. Whether hiking, biking, swimming or canoeing - what could be better than enjoying the long, warm summer days in the fresh air? But beware: as the spirit of adventure increases, so do the number of accidents and the threat of severe reductions in insurance benefits. This can be prevented.
A group of young adults practice jumping off a rock into the Rhine without seeing the bottom of the river. Two female friends undertake a challenging climbing trip, although they have little knowledge of climbing and only inadequate equipment. A man who is a sports enthusiast takes part in downhill mountain biking races and trains regularly for this on the race track.
Such daring actions are not uncommon during the summer months. But watch out: Those who seek thrills and adrenaline rushes without taking appropriate safety measures not only risk their health, but also face severe benefit cuts in the event of an incident. "Many recreational activities are not only associated with health risks, but in the event of an Accident also have massive financial consequences," warns Oliver Biefer, lawyer and expert on the subject of reductions in insurance benefits at Suva.
Benefit cuts of at least 50 percent
Anyone who works at least eight hours a week as an employee in Switzerland is compulsorily insured against non-occupational accidents in addition to occupational accidents. However, the law stipulates that in the event of accidents during the practice of dangerous sports - so-called risky sports - cash benefits may be reduced by at least half and may be refused in particularly serious cases. Costs for rescue, treatment, medication or transport, however, may not be reduced.
By law, a distinction is made between absolute and relative risks. Absolute risks are, for example, base jumping, Downhill race with mountain bikes (Downhill Biking), Motocross or Motorcycle race. Those who engage in such dangerous sports deliberately expose themselves to particularly great risks and dangers where the risk of accident cannot be reduced to a reasonable level. In the case of relative risks, the dangers can be reduced to a reasonable level by the athlete. Relative risks include mountaineering or climbing with serious disregard for the usual safety measures (insufficient equipment, lack of experience, bad weather, etc.).
"The minimum reduction in cash benefits such as daily allowances and disability pensions in the event of a venture is 50 percent. In serious cases, these can also be cancelled completely," says Oliver Biefer. "In order not to suffer sensitive loss of benefits in the event of an accident, we recommend that athletes find out about their insurance coverage before engaging in high-risk activities and, if necessary, take out supplementary insurance."
Each year, Suva reduces benefits for around 200 to 250 accidents due to exceptional risks and dangers. Most of the reductions concern accidents in the sports of motocross and downhill biking, Martial Arts or when doing snow sports off the marked slopes.
Many accidents can be avoided
Leisure time should be fun, but not at the expense of health. Suva therefore recommends paying attention to the following points, especially in the case of high-risk and dangerous sports:
Get instruction from trained professionals if a sport is new to you.
Inform yourself about the correct behavior in dangerous situations and practice several times before venturing into an "emergency".
Always use tested equipment.
Find out about the insurance coverage from your accident insurance. If in doubt, take out additional insurance for dangerous sports.
Avoid accidents and dangerous situations with fireworks
On the national holiday, fireworks are set off in honor of Switzerland. Since most official August 1 fireworks displays and celebrations have been canceled this year, all the more private individuals could set off fireworks. The Fire Prevention Advisory Board (BFB), the BFU and Suva therefore assume that there could be an increase in dangerous situations. It is therefore all the more important to adhere to the recommendations for an accident-free August 1.
Every year around August 1, around 110 people are injured in Switzerland while handling fireworks, according to UVG accident statistics. The most common injuries on August 1 include Burnsespecially of hands and fingers (37%), and Hearing damage (22%).
Since most official August 1 celebrations and fireworks displays this year will be cancelled due to the Corona Pandemic had to be canceled, the Fire Prevention Advisory Board (BFB), the BFU and Suva fear that dangerous situations could increase this year as more private individuals set off fireworks. Careless and negligent behavior are the main causes of accidents.
As impressive as fireworks are, they can be dangerous. The ignition temperature of a sparkler can reach over 400 degrees Celsius. Anyone who wants to set off fireworks should therefore ask the sales staff to instruct them on the correct way to handle them and read the instructions for use. It is strongly advised against making your own creations. Also the connection of several fireworks can lead to dangerous situations lead.
General precautions when handling fireworks
Observe warning and application instructions on the packaging.
Keep a safe distance from buildings, grain fields or forest edges - depending on the type of firework, this is 40 to 200 meters. The burning of fireworks in the immediate vicinity of people is prohibited.
Close skylights, windows and doors on festive days.
Observe age guidelines for fireworks - do not allow young children to set off fireworks. Guide and supervise older children.
In case of unexploded ordnance, wait 10 minutes and only then approach. Do not relight unexploded ordnance.
Place fireworks on stable ground. Do not stick rockets into the ground for firing, instead anchor bottle or launch tube into the ground.
Do not smoke near fireworks.
Follow the instructions of the authorities. An overview of the fire bans is available on the website of the Federal Office for the Environment available.
The annual conference will take place from September 2 to 5, 2020 in Munich, Hörsaaltrakt am Campus Grosshadern, Klinikum der Universität München. As the contact restrictions and hygiene concepts applicable in the Free State of Bavaria must be observed at events, the conference program will also be offered in parallel in an online format via Zoom to accompany the face-to-face event.
Science also thrives to a large extent on direct exchange, which is why we try to allow as many interested people as possible to attend the face-to-face event. According to the current regulation in Bavaria, a maximum of 200 people would be admitted to the face-to-face event, but these numbers may still change, so that even more visitors could come if necessary.
The conference management and the DGAUM board cordially invite you to the DGAUM 2020 to Munich. Here, at the anniversary congress of the DGAUM, the participants can expect a varied scientific program, which will reflect the entire diversity of occupational and environmental medicine.
Main topics
2 Sept 2020 - Occupational medicine in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; opening address with, among others, Dr. Klaus Stadtmüller, President of the SGARM Sept 3, 2020 - Carcinogenic substances and factors Sept 4, 2020 - Five years of the Prevention Act 5 Sept 2020 - DGAUM-AKADEMIE: Seminars and continuing education events *NEW*.
However, please understand that due to the currently applicable restrictions, new registrations for the DGAUM face-to-face event are unfortunately not possible at present. Interested parties can purchase online tickets with immediate effect. Participants who have already purchased a ticket do not need to do anything further; they will be informed of their options by e-mail. Tickets already purchased will retain their validity.
The Federal Council announced on July 1, 2020, that the Corona compensation for self-employed persons will be extended - retroactively. The payment of outstanding benefits from mid-May to the end of June will be made by Wednesday, July 29. Furthermore, he informed that now also managing partners of an AG or GmbH in the event sector can apply for Corona compensation, retroactively from June 1, 2020.
Editorial - July 24, 2020
Do you have a loss of earnings due to the Federal Council's measures to combat the coronavirus? The Federal Council has introduced compensation for self-employed persons, employees and employers.
Self-employed
Self-employed persons can apply to their responsible SVA for the Application for compensation for loss of earnings for various reasons. New: The Federal Council has extended the entitlement to Corona compensation for hardship cases, as a result of business closures or as a result of event bans until September 16, 2020. If you have already submitted an application, you do not need to do anything, the entitlement will be automatically extended. We will retroactively resume payments that have been discontinued.
Loss of earnings due to quarantine
If you had to interrupt your gainful employment because you had to go into quarantine due to medical or official orders, you are entitled to compensation for loss of earnings.
Loss of earnings due to cancelled event
If you are an organizer, supplier, booth builder, technician or freelance artist and your planned event had to be canceled due to the event ban, you are entitled to compensation for loss of income.
If you had to interrupt your gainful employment because you had to go into quarantine due to medical or official orders, you are entitled to compensation for loss of earnings.
Employees in an employer-like function (stock corporation, limited liability company, etc.) in the event sector
Managing partners of an AG, GmbH or cooperative as well as their collaborating spouse or registered partner with an income from employment subject to AHV contributions of between CHF 10,000.00 and CHF 90,000.00 in 2019 can now also apply for Corona compensation.
No compensation for quarantine after stay in risk area
Anyone who has traveled to a risk area since July 6, 2020, and who returns to Switzerland in Must go into quarantine, is not eligible for Corona acquisition replacement. The Federal Office of Public Health maintains a list of states and areas with an increased risk of infection. The list is regularly updated.
The list of these areas was adjusted on July 23, 2020
The cantonal authorities control compliance with the quarantine with spot checks. There is a threat of Fine up to 10 000.- CHF. New countries where, among others, since July 23, 2020, travelers returning home must observe the quarantine requirement:
Originally, ARBEITSSCHUTZ AKTUELL 2020 was to be held at Messe Stuttgart and follow up on a very successful event in 2018. Then came Corona and after a short time it became apparent that numerous exhibitors, but also participants would not be able to come, that the overall situation was too uncertain and too risky for risk groups due to infection hazards. Therefore, it has now been decided to implement the trade show as a purely digital event format in 2020.
To this end, there were and are very many companies that absolutely wanted to stick to a live format. Thus, as early as April, the organizer began working on a hybrid concept to enable all reference groups and interested parties to participate in this year's industry event for safety and health at work. After further drastic developments at the beginning of July regarding the legal situation for holding trade fairs in Baden-Württemberg and the resulting further cancellation of exhibitors, on July 9, 2020, the organizer of ARBEITSSCHUTZ AKTUELL, Hinte Expo & Conference, made the final decision to hold the event purely digitally and not to rely on the face-to-face industry meeting in Stuttgart in October.
In the interview Christoph Hinte, Managing Director of the organizer Hinte Expo & Conference, provided an insight into the current developments of the digital platform and the opportunities that can arise from them.
Video with Christoph Hinte, organizer ARBEITSSCHUTZ AKTUELL:
The Hohenstein quality label "Tested Community Masks" distinguishes masks that are intended for private use. These are not considered medical devices or PPE. The label ensures that legal requirements and defined functional tests are guaranteed.
Go to Coronavirus containment mouth-nose masks currently have to be worn in large parts of the public sphere. Since these so-called community masks must meet legal and functional requirements, the testing service provider and research partner Hohenstein is now offering a quality label for Tested Community Masks. Unlike medical face masks and particle-filtering half masks, textile community masks are not considered medical devices or personal protective equipment (PPE), which must meet defined Ensure protective functions have to. Nevertheless, they are also subject to functional requirements - whether for disposable or reusable use.
Hohenstein supports manufacturers in increasing transparency for users of community masks by providing easy-to-understand product information on the label. A decisive criterion for consumers is proof of breathability: standardized test methods provide information about whether the material used is too dense and makes breathing difficult, for example. Other quality parameters include checking washability, assessing fit, and compliance with legal requirements. The quality criteria on the label can be flexibly extended to include testing for harmful substances in accordance with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX as an indicator for skin-compatible textiles and the testing of cytotoxicity following the testing of Medical Devices.
Concrete residues remain in the concrete mixer. The plant personnel must therefore regularly clean the mixer with the lid open or even enter the mixing plant for this purpose. The mixers also have to be maintained, for example the mixing tools have to be adjusted or replaced. Again and again, serious or even fatal accidents occur during cleaning or repair. Accidents, because the equipment is started up unintentionally. "These accident events could have been easily avoided by using personal locks to secure the main switch and regularly checking the functionality of the protective devices," says Susan Liefold. The graduate geologist and supervisor heads the Mineral Raw Materials and Building Materials Division of the German Employer's Liability Insurance Association for Raw Materials and the Chemical Industry (BG RCI). This is where the new industry rule "Production of fresh concrete" was developed, which the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) has now published. It is the second of a total of three parts of the industry rule for the concrete industry. While Part 1 deals with the production of precast concrete elements and Part 3, which will be published shortly, deals with the operation of concrete pumps and truck mixers, Part 2 is relevant for all companies in the industry. "Both companies that manufacture precast concrete and companies that use concrete pumps or truck mixers need fresh concrete."
Laws and regulations made understandable
The compendium presents legal requirements, workplace and activity-related hazards, and shows practical solutions for good occupational safety. The storage and handling of starting materials are just as much a topic as the operation of mixing plants or truck mixers.
"The production of fresh concrete in the ready-mix concrete plants is a just-in-time business and requires employees to work flexible hours in terms of space and time," says Susan Liefold. To make matters worse, plant operators also have to deal with scheduling and dealing with customers, Construction sites and central scheduling. This high workload in combination with staff shortages can lead to mental stress, which in addition to health consequences also increases the risk of accidents. Here, too, there are concrete suggestions as to what measures companies should take to provide relief. There is a wide variety of internal traffic on the company premises; for example, commercial and private customers, suppliers as well as the company's own employees use the same traffic areas with vehicles. "There are wheel loaders, trucks and truck mixers on the road, and the company premises are not always spacious and clear," the expert knows. A traffic concept helps prevent accidents, she says. "Traffic routes for people and vehicles should be clearly separated, and one-way streets, parking areas, waiting and restricted zones should be designated." Other chapters deal with the work involved in repairs and the work for the laboratory.
