Toni Robinson, Managing Director of NucleusHR provides key information for employers on how to return to the workplace safely.
New ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines are available to UK employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating as safely as possible.
As always, guidance is changing constantly with how to return staff to work safely, however, Toni Robinson, Managing Director of NucleusHR and NucleusHS has provided a guide for employers, outlining the main requirements set out by the government.
She has set out practical steps for businesses focused on five key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical:
1. Work from home, if you can
All reasonable steps should be taken by employers to help people work from home. But for those who cannot work from home and whose workplace has not been told to close, our message is clear: you should go to work. Employers are encouraged to discuss with their teams as to when their workplace will open.
2. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions
Employers will need to carry out COVID-19 risk assessments in consultation with their workers or trade unions, to establish what guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments on their website and it is expected all businesses with over 50 employees to do so.
3. Maintain 2 metres social distancing, wherever possible
Employers should re-design workspaces to maintain 2 metre distances between people by staggering start times, creating one way walk-throughs, opening more entrances and exits, or changing seating layouts in break rooms.
4. Where people cannot be 2 metres apart, manage transmission risk
Employers should look into putting barriers in shared spaces, creating workplace shift patterns or fixed teams minimising the number of people in contact with one another, or ensuring colleagues are facing away from each other.
5. Reinforcing cleaning processes
Workplaces should be cleaned more frequently, paying close attention to high-contact objects like door handles and keyboards. Employers should provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers at entry and exit points.
A downloadable notice is included in the government documents, which employers should display in their workplaces to show their employees, customers and other visitors to their workplace, that they have followed this guidance.
If you wish to take further advice on how best to handle COVID-19 in your business, please contact NucleusHR on 07960 418494 or toni@nucleushr.com