Studie zur Umsetzung und Akzeptanz des SARSCoV- 2-Arbeitsschutzstandards und der SARS-CoV-2- Arbeitsschutzregel für einen erfolgreichen Infektionsschutz im Unternehmen

Abstract

Study of the implementation and acceptance of the SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety and health standard and the SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety and health rules for successful infection control in companies Objectives: This study is intended to provide insights into the real-life implementation of SARS-CoV-2-related occupational safety and health (OSH) measures in German companies. It should also help to identify possible perspectives for further measures to improve the approach of the German accident insurance institutions in comparable situations and to reduce the burden on employees. Methods: Between December 2020 and May 2021, we conducted an online survey on the implementation of SARS-CoV-2 OSH measures. With the help of various German Social Accident Insurance Institutions, we recruited 344 OSH professionals and 92 other people with OSH responsibility from the public sector, industrial, financial, retail and local public transport sectors, and analysed their responses. Results: Most OSH professionals are familiar with SARS-CoV-2 OSH standards, SARS-CoV-2 OSH rules and sector-specific supplements. In only very rare exceptions (1 %) were the employees not informed of preventive and occupational safety measures that had been initiated. Sector-specific differences were particularly evident in contact reduction measures and the stockholding of protective equipment. The increase in mobile working and the greater use of digital communication media were cited as major longterm consequences of the pandemic on future work types. Conclusions: This study confirms that the importance of occupational and infection protection has increased in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Many companies took infection control measures early in the pandemic. Keywords: coronavirus – COVID-19 – SARS-CoV-2 pandemic – preventive measures – occupational safety and health professionals