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COVID-19: Resources for the workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest challenges that societies and businesses have faced. Overcoming this challenge will be possible only if we work together to stop the spread of this disease and provide a safe and healthy working environment for both home-based teleworkers and those returning to their usual workplaces. This section presents a collection of guidance documents, awareness-raising material and further links on the topic.
At workplaces where workers can be exposed to a virus, which belongs to the category biological agents, employers have to carry out a workplace risk assessment and set appropriate measures. The guidance presented on this page is aimed at supporting employers in these duties. The minimum legal requirements are laid out in the Biological Agents Directive. More information on the topic can be found in our section on dangerous substances (subsection biological agents).
EU guidance
What can workplaces do in practice to help tackle this pandemic and protect employees? Knowledge and awareness are key — everyone must be well informed about how the virus spreads, the symptoms of infection and how to minimise exposure. Our guidance helps organisations to provide workers with the information they need and put measures in place to prevent infection.
Impact of Long COVID on workers and workplaces and the role of OSH
COVID-19: Back to the workplace - Adapting workplaces and protecting workers (a PDF version)
COVID-19 and long COVID return-to-work guide for recovering workers
COVID-19 and long COVID return-to-work guide for managers
COVID-19: guidance for the workplace
OiRA COVID-19 risk assessment tool
Awareness-raising video Napo in…stop the pandemic
Telework
In the current context of confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of European workers are forced to work from home full-time to cut down the risk of contracting the virus. A new reality that can take its toll on our physical and mental health. This guidance shows how people can effectively protect themselves during home-based telework.
Practical tips to make home-based telework as healthy, safe and effective as possible
MSD database of practical tools and guidance: telework
Awareness-raising video Napo is… teleworking to stop the pandemic
Resources from EU and international organisations
European Commission: Guidelines for the protection of seasonal workers
European Commission: Factsheet on the protection of seasonal workers
European Commission: webpage on COVID-19
European Commission: data portal for researchers
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch by Eurofound
International Labour Organization (ILO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Biological agents
We aim to raise awareness of exposure to these hazards at work and provide more information on the associated health problems, which include not only infectious diseases but also cancer and allergies.
Biological agents and prevention of work-related diseases: a review
Exposure to biological agents and related health problems for healthcare workers
Exposure to biological agents and related health problems in animal-related occupations
Exposure to biological agents and related health problems in arable farming