UPDATE: Things you should know when it comes to 'Lockdown Rules' at the workplace
New lockdown regulations for the workplace have been released by the Minister of Labour and it has some important updates that everyone should be aware of.
In life, it's easy to become complacent and return to habitual forms of conduct whether you are at home or at work. So when the lockdown level eased, the regulations started going out the window and many people went on living as if the country was free from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes, we understand that it isn't easy to live during a pandemic, but we all have to acknowledge that the more we all take the necessary precautions and practise living safely, the quicker we can get back to living "normally" or somewhat closer to the once-normal.
The South African Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has made some important updates regarding COVID-19 and the workplace. This basically outlines the health and safety protocols that businesses should enforce during the lockdown. (Business Tech)
The regulations have now covered the issue of vaccinations and serve as a consolidation of previous regulations, too.
It gives an employer 21 days to make a decision on whether it intends to make vaccination mandatory, taking into account the operational requirements of the workplace.
Read more: Our producer's COVID-19 Diary
It has also been highlighted that if a workplace chooses to move forward with making vaccinations mandatory, they are required to "identify employees who - by virtue of the risk of transmission through work, age or co-morbidities - must be vaccinated." (Business Tech)
It's important to note that the company should also set out clear outlines when it comes to the plans that form part of phasing employees safely back into the workplace.
The directive states that employees still have a right to refuse the vaccine on constitutional or medical grounds, and should be allowed to consult with health, safety, or labour officials.
The directive also states that an employer should make necessary arrangements for transportation of workers to the vaccination site and also give employees the appropriate leave should an employee experience any side effects.
"Should an employee refuse to be vaccinated on constitutional or medical grounds, the employer should:
- counsel the employee, and if requested, allow the employee to seek guidance from a health, worker or trade representative;
- refer for medical evaluation should there be a be medical contraindication for vaccination;
- if necessary, takes steps to reasonably accommodate an employee in a position that does not require them to be vaccinated." (Business Tech)
Regardless of the updates, it's important for both employees and employers to conduct themselves appropriately when it comes to the pandemic and, in general, so that all employees can practice good safety measures for themselves and their colleagues.
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