Coronavirus Risk Assessment

Coronavirus Risk Assessment

The Coronavirus or COVID 19 risk assessment should specifically consider the risks and hazards imposed by Covid-19.
With people at the forefront, it should be a systematic and thorough review of how the virus could be spread within the business. The emphasis should be on how to control the infection.

Areas that need to be considered and understood include:

1. Airborne risk 

How and where employees could potentially inhale contaminated droplets

2. Contact 

How and where employees could potentially touch contaminated surfaces e.g. door handles

3. Personal Contact 

Tasks that result in employees potentially touching their face (eyes, nose and mouth)

4. Social Distancing

How and where employees interact or work in close proximity, which could result in the spread of infection through people interaction or by touching contaminated surfaces

5. External 3rd Parties

How and where do employees or the business activities interact with customers, contractors or the public.

Consultation

Like all risk assessments, it is also important that there is consultation with employees, safety and / or Trade Union representatives. This helps ensure a thorough and robust risk assessment and also assists in the engagement of the wider workforce.

Communication

Many employees will be very concerned about returning to work and will have lots of questions. Questions about how safe it is and what is being done to protect them. They will want to be reassured that enough has been done to make the workplace COVID-19 secure.

Employees will want to be assured that measures, such as, physical (social) distancing, hygiene and cleaning routines and, the provision of personal protective equipment, are in place before they return.

Clear, timely and precise communication is important.

Once the risk assessment and procedures have been agreed, these should be communicated to the employees. This should be communicated before they return to work to allay the fears of people, by giving them the confidence the right actions have been taken to protect them.

Companies, especially those with over 50 employees, should declare they are COVID secure by displaying the govt. issued ‘Staying Covid-19 Secure in 2020‘ poster.

Review

The situation continues to change on a monthly, weekly and, even daily basis. For this reason, it is important companies constantly review the official advice and all their working practices and risk assessments, modifying and updating them as required. It is equally important to communicate any changes in a clear and precise manner to keep employees updated and engaged.

For more information or support contact Andy on 07977 178193 or via our contact form.