Risk analysis of Covid-19 in the workplace: practical approaches by activity sector in Italy

Introduction: Italy was the first among western countries to face the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The progressive adoption of several containing measures by the Government during the first lockdown period from March 2020, encompassed the temporary suspension of non-essential business activities, resulting in a reduction of about 75% of workers present in their workplaces (including remote workers). Materials and Methods: INAIL developed a methodology for assessing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the workplace to support the Government for a safe reactivation of businesses evaluating the impact of the modular reopening of work activities after the first lockdown period. The average risk classes have been associated to the number of employees by sector to take into account the potential impact on the mobility due to the commuting. Results: Specific protocols for reopening activities have been developed for many sectors;these included administrative, preventive and protective measures to manage the risk in the workplace and mitigate the impacts for the community at large. Practical recommendations were allowed for public transport, manufacturing, meat processing and cutting plants, construction, schools, shopping malls and retail shops, catering services, seaside facilities and personal care services. Conclusions: The proposed methodological framework has been adopted by the Italian Government to guide the prevention strategies and address the prioritization of the vaccination campaign in workplaces, with the final aim to contribute to the fastest achievement of the whole population immunity from Covid-19.