By Mark Callaghan - 27 November 2020
We outline below the health and safety steps that employers should take when reopening their workplace. Employers should always consider their own unique circumstances, and act accordingly, but this checklist provides a typical reopening process. It should help employers to ensure that the workplace is "COVID-secure".
For further information on health and safety concerns and queries take a look at our in-depth overview which covers the employers health and safety obligations, risk assesments, workplace adjustments and health testing of employees.
Review the government’s ‘Working Safely During Coronavirus’ guidance
Review the relevant sectorial guidance
Clean your workplace thoroughly prior to reopening, and make a plan for further regular cleaning
Instruct those employees who can work from home to do so
Conduct a specific COVID-19 risk assessment, by identifying hazards, deciding who may be harmed, evaluating the risks, and deciding on suitable precautions
For employees who cannot work from home, ensure 2m social distancing, or 1m with further risk mitigation if that is not possible
Consult with your workforce (or union representatives if applicable) on your risk assessment
For larger employers (more than 50 employees) share a summary of your conclusions on your website
Implement the measures required by your risk assessment
Display confirmation in your workplace that you have made your workplace COVID-secure
Provide PPE/facemasks to your employees if they request it, or if your risk assessment concludes that you should. Otherwise, not necessary (except in businesses that are customer facing)
At all times, act with reasonable care and ensure the health, safety and welfare of your employees as far as is reasonably practicable
If you or your organisation would like more information about employees returning to work, please get in touch with your usual GQ|Littler contact or email info@gqlittler.com.
