Emerging from lockdown: five steps to working safely
The COVID-19 Secure guidelines are supported by five key steps to working safely which employers need to implement. They are:
· Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment. Before employers restart work they should ensure the safety of their workplaces by:
o carrying out a risk assessment in line with the HSE guidance.
o consulting with their workers or trade unions.
o sharing the results of their risk assessment with their workforces and on their websites.
· Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures. Employers are called on to ensure an increased frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning by:
o encouraging people to handwash.
o providing hand sanitiser around the workplace.
o frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly.
o enhancing cleaning for busy areas.
o setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets.
o providing hand drying facilities.
· Help people to work from home. Employers should take all reasonable steps to help people work from home by:
o discussing home working arrangements.
o ensuring they have the right equipment, for example remote access to work systems.
o including them in all necessary communications.
o looking after their physical and mental wellbeing.
· Maintain two metre social distancing, where possible. Employer should do this by:
o putting up signs to remind workers and visitors of social distancing guidance.
o avoiding sharing workstations.
o using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep to a two metre distance.
o arranging one-way traffic through the workplace if possible.
· Where people cannot be two metres apart, manage transmission risk. Employers should do this by:
o considering whether an activity needs to continue for the business to operate.
o keeping the activity time involved as short as possible.
o using screens or barriers to separate people from each other.
o staggering arrival and departure times.
o reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using fixed teams or partnering.
Posted on 07/09/2020 by Ortolan
