Carrying out a Covid-19 Risk Assessment
The guidance states that: “As soon as practicable, workplaces should follow the new “COVID-19 Secure” guidelines….. These will ensure the risk of infection is as low as possible, while allowing as many people as possible to resume their livelihoods”.
This means following the up-to-date Government and public health guidance to employers e.g. practising social distancing and ensuring communal areas, like kitchens, are used by only one person at a time.
Before employees return to work, employers should carry out a COVID19-specific risk assessment geared to the needs of their business and consult with staff (and trade unions or employee representatives, if applicable). Risk assessments must be clearly communicated to staff.
Employers with over 50 employees should publish the results of their risk assessments on their website.
The Health and Safety Executive has produced advice on working safely during the coronavirus outbreak and on communicating these measures to the workforce: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/working-safely-during-coronavirus-outbreak.htm .