That is changing for employees and consumers

February 2023 has some changes in store for workers and consumers. In addition, new laws and regulations come into force. Among other things, the mask requirement on long-distance trains and the Corona regulations on job ends. In addition, the “wind-to-land” law will come into force in February.

From February 2022: These laws and changes come into force

Like almost every month, February 2023 brings some important changes for workers and consumers. In addition, new laws apply.

For example, there is no longer a mask requirement on long-distance trains. In addition, the so-called “wind-to-land” law comes into force. Meanwhile, certain energy-saving lamps are going out – at least during production.

1. Masks are no longer compulsory on long-distance trains

From February 2nd, the mask requirement on long-distance trains will no longer apply. The federal states of Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein had previously abolished the obligation to wear masks on public transport. Now the federal government is also following suit in long-distance transport.

The federal government justifies the decision with an analysis that showed that the healthcare system and critical infrastructure are no longer expected to be overloaded. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, in turn, relies on personal responsibility and voluntariness.

2. Employees: Corona Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance will be abolished in February

The Corona Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance was actually supposed to run until April 7, 2023. But now an earlier end is in the offing. Because the special rules in the workplace caused by the pandemic are to be abolished – two months earlier than planned. According to media reports, Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) announced this to the Reuters news agency.

So far, the following has applied: the implementation of the AHA+L rule, a reduction in operational personal contacts and a mask requirement wherever other measures are not sufficient. From February 2, 2023, these rules will no longer apply.

3. Energy-saving lamp goes out

This year the light will go out for many energy-saving lamps – at least in retail. Because from the end of February 2023, currently available energy-saving lamps with plug-in bases may no longer be produced. Only remaining stocks go over the counter. LED lamps are now an alternative.

4. New rules for car first aid kits

From February 1st there will be a new rule for first aid kits in cars. Then according to the German standards institute DIN From then on, drivers will have to carry a first-aid kit in their vehicle, which contains two face masks in addition to the previous contents.

The so-called triangular cloth and bandage cloth are meanwhile omitted. However, in order to implement the new standard, a new first aid kit does not have to be purchased. Because it is already sufficient to expand the existing one with the two masks.

5. “On-shore wind” law comes into force in February

In February 2023, the so-called “wind on land” law will come into force. It was approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat in July 2022. the federal government wants to double the electricity from renewable energies by 2023. Because: The law obliges all federal states to make two percent of their land available for wind turbines from February 2023 and by 2032 at the latest.

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