Social distancing device angers union

PARIS — A global maker of wipes and toilet paper has created a stink among its French employees after asking them to carry a device that goes off if they violate social distancing rules in the workplace.

The personal alarm system emits a warning sound of 85 decibels—about the same as a lawn mower—if the wearer gets too close to a colleague, according to outraged union representatives at the group.

It is set to be tested at the French sites of personal hygiene specialist Essity, a Swedish company that makes hand soap, tissues, sanitary products and napkins.

The CFDT union denounced the alarms as “a system comparable to ones that try to dissuade dogs from barking,” adding that it would be stressful and “infantilizing” for employees.

Reached for comment at the company’s headquarters, spokesperson Karl Stoltz told Agence France-Presse that “it is just tested in France.”

Employees have been told that the alarms are for their own safety and that the devices will be deactivated in the company canteen, toilets and medical areas.

The sensors will not be personalized and do not have a system enabling the company to locate them, according to management.

The proposals are set to be discussed at a personnel meeting next week.