Torosyan Signs Decision on Preventing Coronavirus Risks at Workplace

Health Minister Arsen Torosyan has approved the (temporary) methodological guidelines for assessing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection risks in workplaces by decision on September 7.

1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. A series of public health and social measures have been organized and implemented in the fight against coronavirus disease COVID-19, including movement restrictions, partial or complete suspension of school and business activities, and the imposition of isolation and/or self-isolation in specific geographical areas, along with restrictions on international travel.
2. Depending on the epidemiological situation, preventive and anti-epidemic measures taken in various countries, including the Republic of Armenia, have been modified accordingly (lifting restrictions).
3. These methodological guidelines have been developed based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Considering the fact that international approaches change, this document may be subjected to amendments based on future new approaches by the WHO.
4. The methodological guidelines are intended for those involved in organizing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as for specialists of public health bodies and include general non-health-related recommendations for workplaces.

2. RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE
5. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Any worker may be exposed to the risk of infection at any time—while present in the workplace, during visits to communities where the disease is prevalent, as well as on the way to and from work.
6. The risk of contracting COVID-19 at work depends on the likelihood of close (less than 1 meter) or frequent contact with patients or asymptomatic individuals.
7. The levels of risk of exposure to infection presented in Table 1 can assist in risk assessment at workplaces, subsequently leading to preventive and anti-epidemic measures.
8. There may be jobs or tasks with varying levels of risk within the same working environment. Therefore, risk assessment must be conducted for each specific working environment and for each job or group of jobs. Each risk assessment must consider the setting, task, threats if any (for example, for workers interacting with patients or their contacts), and available resources such as personal protective equipment.
9. Major public services, retail and wholesale food sales, accommodations, public transport, delivery services, water supply and utility services, and workers interacting with patients or their contacts may be at health and safety risk, increasing the risk of transmission, subsequently complicating the course of the disease.
10. Employers are required to periodically conduct risk assessments for jobs in consultation with public health authorities.

3. PLANNING ACTIVITIES IN THE WORKPLACE
11. For workplaces, action plans regarding risk assessment are developed for preventing COVID-19 and mitigating its effects, aligning with the results of the risk assessment and the epidemiological situation. The plan includes health and safety measures directed at temporarily suspending, resuming workplace operations, and, if necessary, changing work conditions. The resumption of workplace activities is meticulously planned in advance, and all possible health and safety risks are appropriately assessed. The action plan and implemented preventive measures are regularly updated based on the epidemiological situation and its trends, as well as in case of new COVID-19 cases at the workplace or non-compliance with safety rules by employees, visitors, clients, or customers.
12. Actions aimed at preventing COVID-19 and mitigating its effects should be implemented alongside measures to address other health and safety risks such as ergonomic issues, work overload and long working hours, remote working, psychosocial risks, etc.
13. It is essential to consult with public health authorities during the development and implementation of action plans aimed at preventing and mitigating COVID-19 effects, as well as to inform employees about these and the measures taken.