News regarding the spread of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) require companies to take measures to prevent the risk of infection as far as possible, since, as it is known. In accordance with the Italian applicable law, the employer:
– pursuant to article 2087 of the Italian Civil Code, has the duty to provide all security measures to ensure the physical integrity and moral personality of the employees, and
– pursuant to Legislative Decree 81/2008, has the responsibility to protect workers from exposure to biological risk with the collaboration of the competent doctor, where present).
In this respect, it should preliminarily be noted that, in our continent, at the time, there is no sign of the spread of the epidemic, as cases of coronavirus are sporadic and not alarming. As far as the territory of Italy is concerned, the Ministry of Health stated that “the virus circulation does not exist”.
The risk of transmission, therefore, is to be considered remote, except for those who have close and long-lasting contacts with sick subjects.
Cautions must be taken in particular with regard to employees (both on-site or travelling) who, due to their duties, have relations with “Eastern Countries” and mainly with people from the areas of China where the epidemic is ongoing.
Due to the above, in accordance with the indications provided by the Italian Ministry of Health, employers must provide employees who work closely with the public with guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, using the standard hygiene measures to limit the geographic spread of respiratory transmitted diseases, such as:
– wash hands frequently;
– pay attention to surface hygiene;
– avoid close and long-lasting contacts with those who present flu-like symptoms.
According to the Ministry of Health, if, during the work relationship, somebody gets in contact with a person who meets the definition of a “suspicious case” as defined by the circular issued by the Ministry of Health on January 27, he/she has immediately contact the health services and report that it is a suspicious case of 2019-nCoV.
While waiting for the medical staff to arrive:
– avoid close contact with the sick subject;
– provide her/him with a surgical mask;
– wash hands thoroughly and pay attention to body surfaces that may have come into contact with fluids (respiratory secretions, urine and faeces) of the sick subject;
– ask to the sick subject to throw away the used napkins directly in a waterproof bag. The bag will be discarded with the infected materials produced during the medical activities of the rescue staff.
To prevent the risk of infection, the employer is required to adopt procedures and provide the employees with hygiene instructions.
De Luca & Partners Compliance Department is at your complete disposal to provide you with the necessary support.
For further information and details, please contact Elena Cannone, Focus Team Compliance coordinator.
