Italy updates protocol for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace

On 30 June 2022, Italy implemented the "Shared Protocol for Updating Measures to Counter and Contain the Spread of SARS-COV-2 in the Workplace", which updates and renews the previous agreements of 14 March 2020, 24 April 2020, and 6 April 2021. This new protocol requires employers to apply the revised precautionary measures listed below.
 
Information
An employer must, through the most appropriate and effective means, inform all workers and anyone entering the workplace of the risk of COVID-19 infection and the precautionary measures to be taken to prevent infection.
 
Entry into the workplace
Personnel, before entering the workplace, may be subject to a body-temperature check. If an individual's temperature is found to be above 37.5°C, they will not be allowed to enter the workplace. Persons in this condition, in compliance with the protocol, will be temporarily isolated and provided with an FFP2 mask. They should contact their doctor as soon as possible and follow any and all medical instructions.
 
Managing service contracts with third companies
In the case of workers employed by third-party companies operating at the same production site (e.g. maintenance workers, suppliers, cleaners or vigilance, etc.) who test positive for the COVID-19 swab, the contractor must immediately inform the commissioning company through the company doctor. The commissioning company is required to give the third-party company a full accounting of the contents of the company protocol and must ensure that its workers or the workers of third-party companies operating in any capacity within the company fully comply with its provisions.
 
Protective devices
Without prejudice to obligations under other legislative provisions, the use of respiratory protective devices of the FFP2 filtering face-piece type, although currently mandatory only in specific sectors such as transportation, health care, is defined in the protocol as an important safeguard for the protection of workers' health from infection. To this end, the employer must ensure the availability of FFP2 masks for all workers.
 
In addition, an employer, based on the recommendations of the competent doctor or the person in charge of COVID-19 prevention and the regulations contained in the protocol, must identify particular groups of workers to whom appropriate personal protective equipment (FFP2) should be provided and worn. Special attention must be made to vulnerable individuals. 
 
Remote work
Despite the changed context and the waning pandemic emergency, remote work represents, even in the current situation, a useful tool to counteract the spread of COVID-19, especially with reference to frail workers who are more exposed to the risks from the disease.