As of 1st August 2020, the government issued its official guidance. The message is “employers should ensure workplaces are safe whilst also enabling working from home”.
Employers must ensure that all reasonably practicable steps have been taken to ensure that staff can work safely. Employers should be able to decide whether staff can be recalled into the workplace, work from home or indeed a combination of these. Employers must ensure that their premises are safe. This means;
- The employer has carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment
- Implemented the identified control measures based on current government and Public Health England advice, including social distancing rules in the workplace, rearranging work areas to minimise contact, controlling pedestrian routes, rearranging the kitchen/canteen areas and the provision of hand sanitisers and where relevant protective equipment.
- Communicate these local measures to the staff
- Provide training and instruction as to how staff will be expected to follow these rules, how to conduct themselves in the workplace and that a change in behaviour and culture will be required
- Display safety signs re COVID-19 symptoms, 2m rule and other signs dealing with washing regimes
Consider who is required to be on site. Of course, businesses need to operate as effectively as possible, but at same time, health and safety should not be compromised.
If recalling staff, consider the following;
- How many employees can safely be accommodated on the site?
- Phased return or full return?
- Monitor the immediate and ongoing welfare of staff.
- Monitor the effectiveness of current measures, and constantly review these.
- Informing and guiding staff on the new safety rules.
- Instructing staff to follow local rules.
Before instructing staff to return, employers should consult staff, and take into consideration by what method staff will get into work and whether there are any childminding issues and any ongoing medical conditions which could affect a person’s safety. Where it is possible for staff to work from home, employers are strongly encouraged to allow that, especially if there are vulnerable employees or there are genuine childminding issues. Liaising with staff on these issues is crucial.
Working from home
If staff are permitted to work from home;
- Keep in touch with staff on a regular basis and help them stay connected with the rest of their work colleagues.
- Monitor their well-being whilst they are working from home. Staff can feel isolated, they may not receive the help/support they need, this may lead to anxiety/stress.
In conclusion, if staff can effectively work from home, they should be allowed to do so. But, if they are critical to the business, and need to be on site, then the employer should carry out a thorough COVID-19 specific safety assessment and carry out reasonable steps to ensure staff are and remain safe.
