FAQs Corona virus at the workfloor
Written by:
Hein Kernkamp
Can the employer oblige his employees to work from home?
Yes, the Netherlands government's advice is to allow employees to work from home as much as possible until April 6, 2020. If it can't be done, it can't be done.
Can the employer adjust the working hours of employees?
Yes. The government's call to employers is to spread working hours until April 6, 2020 where possible. This is allowed and is also recommended.
Can an employer oblige its employees to take vacation days?
The employer cannot oblige employees to take vacation days and in principle he must continue to pay wages. The employer can request a reduction in working hours.
Can an employer refuse his employees access to the work location?
The employer is responsible for providing a healthy and safe working environment. Depending on the situation, the employer may refuse access to the workplace. Consider whether working from home is an option.
Do other measures apply to employers within the vital infrastructure (emergency services, healthcare institutions, supermarkets, transport and logistics, telephony, etc.)?
In order to limit social disruption and to ensure that vital sectors such as care for the fire brigade and electricity continue to function, it is important that employees who work within the vital infrastructure come to work as long as they do not have any health complaints.
What can an employer do to reduce the risk of infections at the work location?
Make sure everyone in the workplace takes the usual measures to prevent the transmission of flu and colds:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water and dry with a paper towel.
- Coughing and sneezing in the inside of the elbow.
- Use paper tissues when coughing and sneezing and throw them away immediately.
- Don't shake hands.
If you suffer from mild health problems you should stay at home. Mild health complaints are:
- To sneeze
- Sore throat
- Running nose
- Light coughing
- Increased temperature to 38 degrees
- If the symptoms worsen, please contact the doctor by telephone.
Which protocol applies at my workplace?
Your own protocols apply. For every workplace it applies that a protocol of GGD comes into effect if there is a risk of contamination in the workplace through contacts of the employees.
Who decides whether I have to close my company in case of contamination?
That is determined by the local or national government.
Is your question not listed?
If your question is not listed, you can of course contact us by email or telephone. It is not without reason that our motto is: "Your problem, our concern."
More information?
Hein Kernkamp will gladly help you further.
