Returning To The Office: Top 10 Things Employers Need to Know - Part 2
Following on from our previous blog post 'Returning To The Office: Top 10 Things Employers Need to Know - Part 1' the below are the last 5 things and employer needs to know in preparation or the return of employees to the office.
6. Cleaning & Hygiene
Consider how you will keep the office clean which will include surface cleaning and maintaining good hygiene practices. For example, this may include:
- Implementing a 'clear desk' policy
- Asking staff to wipe down their desk after use
- Asking staff to use hand sanitiser regularly
- Encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene
7. Ventilation
Your risk assessment might identify that it is appropriate to open more windows and doors than usual, and it may also be appropriate to consider improvements to mechanical ventilation / air conditioning. The HSE provides further guidance on this.
If you are opening windows and doors ensure you take into consideration fire safety, and the potential impact on the confidentiality of sensitive conversations.
8. Guidance for those who develop COVID-19 symptoms or are identified as a close contact
You will need to ensure that staff are clear on the process should they develop COVID-19 symptoms in office or otherwise, and also if they are identified as a close contact.
9. Commuting
As part of your risk assessment, you should consider the risks posed by COVID-19 throughout all aspects of your business activity – this will include your employees' commute.
10. Other issues
Ensure you bear in mind other health and safety issues, for example fire safety and manual handling, and how you can manage these within a COVID-19 context. Depending on the measures you take, you will also need to consider whether additional protections are needed for those more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to medical conditions or pregnancy.
Related Articles:
- Returning To The Office: Top 10 Things Employers Need to Know - Part 1
