GOING BACK TO WORK

Never in our wildest dreams did we ever imagine that, as grown-ups, we will have a “back to work” announcement splashed over all media platforms in a way we had with the Back to School excitement after every school holiday! Well here we are and we need our own set of new stationary, a new way of thinking and a new way of going about our daily tasks.

Here are your essential “stationary” that you need when called upon to return to the place of work:

Permission to work

The standard rule is that if you can work from home, that you should continue to work from home. In the event that your job category makes work from home impossible you may return to work if called upon by your employer, subject to your employer being classified as a level 4.

One of the regulations incorporated in the Disaster Management Act, 2002 Regulations issued in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Regulations) that an employee must be duly designated in writing by their employer and that written authorisation must be more-or less the same as this form.

Containing the spread of the COVID 19

Moving to-and from work as well as at work you must wear a cloth face mask or something similar and appropriate. Should your specific job category bring you in direct contact with the public, your employer must provide you with the necessary protective clothing, including a cloth face mask or something similar and appropriate.

Your employer must determine the number of people who can be in the place of work or specific office, as a safe distance must all times be adhered to. You must buy into this and must not place yourself or others at risk – keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 metres!

Movement

Level 4 of the COVID 19 lockdown with a few exceptions, still prohibits you from moving in-and out of your residence. You are however allowed to leave your residence to go to work, only if and when you have written authorisation from your employee to return to work.

Specific measures of safety at your workplace

There is a heavy burden on your employer to create a safe environment for you to go back into as part of the Level 4 workforce. There is however also a burden on you to adhere to any/all safety precautions taken and implemented by your employer.

Social distancing remains one of the most critical precautions and you play a role in making this happen. Even though it is permitted to gather together in a work place there is still a restriction on face to face meetings.

You are not alone

MISA is your voice. We are not indifferent to the challenges that you, our member, will be facing in this very challenging economic setting. Contact MISA to assist you in making the right decisions.

How to contact MISA during the lockdown?

Kindly utilise the following e-mail addresses and links for assistance during this time:

UIF/TERS Support                                            UIFClaim@ms.org.za

Legal/Labour-related enquiries                     Legal@ms.org.za

MISA Benefit claim-related enquiries           Claims@misa.org.za

Any other enquiries                                         Info@ms.org.za

Website                                                             www.misa.org.za

Mobile App                                                      https://onelink.to/w9a7ku

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