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The Government has outlined measures to create workplaces, including offices, construction sites and “Covid-19 secure” factories.
The guide covers eight different sectors and is broken down into practical steps that, according to the Department of Commercial, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), should be implemented “as soon as practical.”
The guidelines apply to companies that can open under current closing rules, and stores that could start a “gradual reopening” starting June 1 if virus transmission slows.
Boris Johnson has said he wants all workers who can return to work to do so to avoid further damage to the UK economy.
(Image: via REUTERS)
Here are the key points BEIS said these steps should be based on:
1) Those who can must work from home
Employers must take “all reasonable steps” to allow staff to work from home. When that is not possible and workplaces have not been asked to close, the government said people should go to work.
2) Assess risks in consultation with workers or unions
Under health and safety, employment and equality legislation, employers must conduct Covid-19 risk assessments and consult staff or unions. Companies should publish the assessment if possible and BEIS said that all companies with more than 50 employees are expected to do so.
3) Where possible, a social distance of two meters should be maintained
Work areas need to be redesigned to accommodate a two-meter distance between people, while other measures could include amazing start times, creating one-way roads around sites, opening more entrances and exits, or changing seating plans at break rooms.
4) Manage the risk of transmission if a distance of two meters is not possible
This could include putting barriers in shared spaces, creating shift patterns or fixed teams to minimize contact between people, or ensuring that colleagues face each other.
5) More frequent cleaning
Workplaces need to be cleaned more frequently, with a focus on objects that are regularly touched by different people, such as door handles and keyboards. Employers are told to provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitizers at entry and exit points, and a notice can be downloaded to display on the government’s website.
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