Last year a total of 109 outbreaks from Covid -19 were reported. In total, there were 1205 cases of coronavirus in Norwegian workplaces.
Many outbreaks of coronavirus have been linked to the workplace. So far this year, 63 such outbreaks have been reported to FHI. It is important to ensure infection control in the workplace.
- Infection with new virus variants spreads faster. Then it becomes even more important to have good infection control in the workplace and a home practice for anyone who can, says Line Vold's director of FHI.
1205 coronavirus cases in Norwegian workplaces
Last year, a total of 109 Covid-19 outbreaks were reported. In total, there were 1205 cases of coronavirus in Norwegian workplaces. Most of them were recorded among the workers of shipyards, ships and various factories. Most of them live in workers' housing barracks. There were an average of 11 cases per outbreak, but with large differences, from 2 to 98 cases.
A total of 109 outbreaks from Covid -19 have been reported. Coronavirus outbreaks on construction sites
These numbers may appear to increase in 2021, but so far a total of 63 Covid-19 outbreaks have been reported in workplaces this year, for a total of 689 cases. There is still an average of 11 cases per fire, but also here with a high variability from 2 to 70 cases.
- This year, the outbreaks of epidemics were particularly noticeable at construction sites. Most of the construction site outbreaks occurred in Viken and Oslo, says FHI's Line Vold division director.
Important for infection control in the workplace
- It is important that workplaces have adequate infection control to prevent infections. Each company is responsible for proper operation including infection control. In areas with increased pressure of infection, the municipality can introduce more stringent local measures, says Line Vold of the FHI.
General advice on infection control
The general guidelines for infection control apply to all workplaces:
-The sick have to stay home
- Make it easy for anyone to keep a distance of at least 1 meter
-Good hand hygiene and cleanliness
-Management must have a plan to ensure continuity in the event of sickness or quarantine absences.
Making it easier for workers to stay at home, even with mild symptoms
"It's very important to make it easier for employees to stay at home, even with mild symptoms, and to encourage employees to get tested," says NIPH's Line Vold director.
Home office, i.e. hjemmekontor is the main rule
A home office is the main rule as long as it is practicable and the company can maintain a good quality offer. Caring for children and young people and other vulnerable groups must continue to be provided, and working with them often cannot be replaced by online work. Physical meetings between employees should be avoided whenever possible and replaced with online meetings.
Companies can create permanent work teams
To prevent the shutdown of important business functions in the case of Covid-19, companies can create permanent work teams that do not mix up either during working hours, during breaks, or after work. For example, different work teams may have alternating hours or jobs.
