This is a new power granted to occupational physicians and their staff, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
The government authorized this Wednesday by ordinance the occupational health services to participate until April 16, 2021 in screening and vaccination as part of the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
This ordinance, adopted by the Council of Ministers, authorizes “the occupational physician and, under his supervision, other health professionals from the occupational health services” to “prescribe and carry out, under the conditions and according to the methods specified by decree , SARS-CoV-2 detection tests ”.
The occupational health services are also authorized to participate in “vaccination actions defined by the State”, without specifying the modalities at this stage.
Work stoppages and medical certificates
The occupational physician can also "prescribe and, if necessary, renew a work stoppage in the event of infection or suspected infection with Covid-19".
It can also establish a medical certificate for vulnerable employees with a view to their placement in partial activity, in application of the health emergency law.
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A decree must lay down the terms of application of these prescriptions and determine the exceptions or special conditions for employees subject to appropriate or regular monitoring or reinforced individual monitoring.
All these provisions are applicable until April 16, 2021.
Postponed professional medical visits
In addition, the medical examinations which must be carried out within companies as part of the individual monitoring of the state of health may be postponed under conditions defined by decree of the Council of State, except when the occupational physician considers it essential to continue the visit, taking into account in particular the state of health of the worker or the characteristics of his workstation.
The postponement of this visit "does not prevent hiring or resuming work," says the text.
Postponed medical visits must be organized by the occupational health services within one year of the deadline.