Expanded coronavirus safety regulations get the green light from government officials
Germany Expands COVID-19 Occupational Safety Ordinance
The German federal cabinet has introduced an expanded COVID-19 occupational safety ordinance, effective from September 10, aiming to strengthen workplace health and safety during the ongoing pandemic. The new ordinance will be linked to the duration of the epidemic situation and extended until November 24.
One of the key changes in the ordinance encourages employers to facilitate vaccination at the workplace (vaccination on-site), making it easier for employees to get vaccinated without needing to go to external healthcare providers. This measure is intended to increase vaccination rates by offering convenience and accessibility. Employers are also permitted to consider the vaccination or recovery status of their employees when determining necessary protective measures, although the exact details of how this should be done are not specified.
Regarding employee vaccination obligations, while Germany has previously enacted mandates for specific sectors such as healthcare workers, the expanded ordinance may impose stricter rules or requirements in other occupational settings, reflecting evolving policies to enhance workplace safety and pandemic control. The exact nature of these requirements will vary depending on the sector and current epidemiological circumstances.
Under the new ordinance, employers are required to inform employees about the risks of a COVID-19 infection. Employees will also be granted time off to receive vaccinations, although the specifics of this provision are not detailed. Moreover, employers are required to provide support for company doctors to offer vaccinations on site, but the manner in which this support is to be provided is not specified.
It's worth noting that the option of employers inquiring about their employees' vaccination status is not included in the new ordinance. This was a point of legal concern raised by Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD). However, the ordinance does allow employers to consider vaccination status when determining protective measures.
The exact legal details, enforcement, and scope of the new ordinance can vary depending on federal and state regulations and recent amendments to the Infection Protection Act or occupational safety laws in Germany. For the most precise and updated legal texts, consulting official government releases or labor safety authorities would be recommended.
[1] Infection Protection Act (IfSG) - Link [3] Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) - Link
Employers may consider the vaccination or recovery status of their employees when determining necessary protective measures, although the specifics are not detailed. This expanded COVID-19 occupational safety ordinance encourages employers to facilitate vaccination at the workplace, making it easier for employees to get vaccinated without needing to go to external healthcare providers.
