Today is the first day of the easing of lockdown restrictions in England. As schools begin to reopen, more parents will now be able to work more freely, and this may involve a greater return of staff to the workplace. Not everyone can work from home and there are many workplaces that have had to continue to operate during the pandemic.
There are also many workplaces that are now starting to prepare for reopening as the restrictions are eased. Not only do they need to make their environment safe for the public but also for their staff.
All workplaces should have carried out a risk assessment by now, and for those that have been shut for some time during this lockdown now is the time to revisit your risk assessment.
Risk assessments should be a working document and reviewed and revisited constantly as restrictions change but also as your business needs change.
The HSE is good place start if you have not carried out a risk assessment before or are unsure where to start. Businesses with less than five staff are not required to write their risk assessment down, but you may find it useful to do so.
You must:
- identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus
- think about who could be at risk
- decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed
- act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk
Be prepared, think about your workplace and your staff will feel more comfortable and happier in your workplace.
For further information visit the HSE website
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