Due to the high spread of coronavirus, the Danish government has put a number of restrictions on different parts of the Danish society. Since restrictions have been tightened, employers and employees must ensure that they follow all the new guidelines.
Organization of Work
Employers must ensure that half their workforce is working from home. For those employees who are coming into work, social distancing must be followed. There should be two meters between employees and their workstations at all times. Moreover, working hours must be made flexible for those workers coming into work so that they do not use public transportation during rush time. This will also ensure that there are fewer employees at work at any particular time. Any kind of physical meeting, courses, and travel plans must be avoided, and plans must be postponed.
Workplace Arrangement
The workplace setting must be rearranged so that there is minimal risk of COVID infection and spread. All employees must make sure that workers follow social distancing protocols. All team members should be seated a minimum of one meter away from their colleagues. Moreover, workplace policies must be updated so that workers know which rules to follow at the canteen and in meeting rooms.
Hygiene
It is the employer’s responsibility to provide sufficient and correct equipment to workers so that they can sanitize their hands often and always keep a mask on. All employees must be disinfected when they step into the workplace and when they leave for home. Employers must ensure that the office and all surfaces are disinfected every single day, and proper guidelines are followed to curtail the spread of the virus.
Employees Infected with COVID-19
If an employee calls in sick and informs his workplace that he has the virus, the employer should ensure that he stays at home and isolates till he has been declared COVID-free by doctors and examinations. He will receive sick pay, and if he is sick and unable to complete work tasks, he will receive state sickness benefits.
A working environment committee must be made at the workplace. This committee must evaluate the risk of impact on other workers who had worked in proximity to the sick worker. Moreover, if the employer is accountable for collective agreements, it is important that trade union representatives be kept in the loop. They have the right to be updated about health and safety problems.
Employees Who Do Not Want to Work or Travel
When signing a contract, every employee makes a formal agreement to work. Absence from work because of fear is unlawful and can result in immediate termination. This means that no employee can refuse to work or travel to work, or work from home. However, if the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues travels restrictions, all employers must ensure that their employees respect the ban.
Learn more about labor compliance and regulations in Denmark.
