Abroad, Covid-19 News|25/09/20

BELGIUM: Measures to prevent Covid-19 create new risks

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > BELGIUM: Measures to prevent Covid-19 create new risks

Two prevention advisors from the AXA insurance company warn companies about the risks involved in taking measures to limit the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.

For example, the hand disinfectant gel, which contains 70% alcohol, is a highly flammable product. The risk of fire or burns must therefore be taken into account. Plexiglas installed in company vehicles to protect drivers can burst in the event of an accident, creating a new danger of bodily injury. “Polycarbonate panels are safer”, explain the prevention advisers, “provided they are placed optimally and do not obstruct the driver’s visibility”.

In the workplace, some workers no longer dare to touch handrails for fear of being contaminated. This situation increases the risk of falls and tripping. In this case, employers can, for example, provide workers with gloves or disinfect the handrails regularly. In addition, since the development of the pandemic, many companies are leaving their doors open to prevent the spread of the virus. However, fire doors that are kept open can no longer prevent the spread of fire to adjacent rooms .

Companies should therefore revise their risk analyses to take into account not only the spread of the virus but also the emerging risks associated with this situation.

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