The Labour Inspectorate (PIP) to conduct workplace inspections in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic
As the number of COVID-19 cases is noticeably increasing, August 8th has seen the entry into force of new outbreak-related regulations introducing additional restrictions, orders and prohibitions across the so-called red and yellow zones. Areas classified as zones with more stringent sanitary measures are to be constantly updated depending on the number of recorded infections.
Employers, especially those located within special zones, should ensure they are up to date with the latest COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
A summary of recommendations and guidelines developed by individual ministries in cooperation with the Chief Sanitary Inspector (GIS) can be found on the GIS website:
These cover in particular:
- Recommendations for industrial plants: https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj/zaklady-przemyslowe
- Recommendations for offices: https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj/biura
- Recommendations for the food industry: https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj/branza-spozywcza-i-logistyka
- Procedures for industrial plants in case of confirmation or suspicion of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in food production employees: https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj/branza-spozywcza-i-logistyka
The recommendations and proposed procedures contain guidelines on the SARS-CoV-2 exposure schemes, taking into account the nature of individual industries. Based on these recommendations, employers should ensure they have established detailed internal procedures tailored to the nature and level of risk at the workplace.
Compliance with this sanitary regime is monitored by State Sanitary Inspectorate officers. During the state of epidemic, the Chief Sanitary Inspector (or the State Provincial Sanitary Inspector acting under his authority) may also issue individual decisions to legal persons to counteract the epidemic.
Independently of the actions taken by sanitary inspectors, the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) has announced intensified inspections at workplaces. The inspectors will check whether employers:
- have provided their workers with appropriate preventive measures;
- have updated their risk assessment in relation to the potential for SARS-CoV-2 infection;
- have put in place appropriate safety procedures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2;
- have informed their workers about the new procedures;
- have ensured adequate training for workers on both the new procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.
CONTACT US
Anna Gwiazda
Attorney at Law, Partner, Head of Labor Law Practice
T: +48 660 765 903
E: a.gwiazda@kochanski.pl