Coronavirus: Compulsory mask, exemptions ... The new rules applicable in companies from September 1 (Illustration) -

JL / Sipa USA / SIPA

  • The Ministry of Labor published a protocol on Monday evening on the new health rules applicable in companies from September 1.

  • While wearing a mask is compulsory "in enclosed and shared places", there are exceptions: it will be possible to remove it in the workshops or take breaks in the open space, under conditions.

To put on or not to put on your mask at work ... A frame had already been set.

But there have been some adjustments since.

The latter are now found in the new protocol of health rules applicable in companies from September 1, posted online Monday evening by the Ministry of Labor.

Faced with the coronavirus epidemic, wearing a mask has been “systematized” in companies, responding to the call of several infectious diseases specialists to reduce the risks of the spread of Covid-19 by aerosols, as well as a recommendation from the Haut public health council.

But when do you have to wear it?

What are the possible exemptions?

We summarize the main rules of this new health protocol.

When should the mask be worn?

In short, "in closed and shared places", such as meeting rooms, corridors, open space, changing rooms, shared offices ... And wearing a mask must obviously be associated with all other barrier gestures (in particular washing clothes). hands) and general requirements such as ventilation of the premises.

Outdoors, workers must wear a mask if they are grouped together or if they are unable to respect the distance of one meter between people.

It should also be noted that it is only possible to share your vehicle with several employees if they each wear a mask.

In addition, it is recalled that wearing a mask is essential, except for special provisions provided for by decree, in establishments open to the public.

A circular will "duplicate" this protocol for the public service, outside the hospital and National Education, where other regulations are in force, where other regulations are in force, said Monday the office of the secretariat of State in charge of Occupational Health, Laurent Pietraszewski.

What are the exceptions to wearing a mask?

First case: when the employee works alone in his office.

In the workshop, where employees are often required to perform more intense physical efforts than average, it is possible to remove their mask ... as long as the ventilation / functional aeration conditions comply with the regulations, and the number of people present in the work area is limited, that these people respect the greatest possible distance between them and wear a visor.

In open spaces, it is possible to temporarily remove your mask at certain times of the day, if a number of measures are taken, starting with good ventilation or aeration of the room.

The other criteria are defined according to the zone of circulation of the virus (green, orange, red).

In green areas, it is necessary to have protective screens between workstations, to provide visors, to have a prevention procedure and a Covid referent.

In the orange zones, it is also necessary to have rooms of large volume and a presence of high air extraction.

In the red zones, a density criterion is added: 4 m2 per person.

And when wearing a mask is not possible?

For activities that would prove incompatible with wearing a mask (for example, for oral interventions or public speaking for a limited time, in confined spaces respecting the defined organizational measures), the ministry continues the dialogue with social partners to monitor this implementation and define solutions.

In a cold environment (-18 degrees) for example, discussions will take place this week to find the appropriate methods of prevention (distancing, hygiene before and after leaving these environments).

Exceptions are possible on television sets, if there is good ventilation, large volumes.

A decree was also taken to exempt opera singers.

What about teleworking?

The Ministry of Labor confirms this: “It remains a recommended practice in that it participates in the process of preventing the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and makes it possible to limit the number of people on public transport.

Depending on the health indicators, the health authorities may agree with the social partners to encourage employers to make greater use of telework.

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The social partners will decide on September 11 if they launch a national interprofessional negotiation, which the employers refuse but what the unions want.

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