Work Safe During The Pandemic and Build Workplace Confidence

This winter, employers need to not only show that their workplaces are Covidcompliant but also get ready to prevent cold and flu transmission.
It seems that a substantial number of employees still need convincing that their workplaces are prepared, with a survey by the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management finding that 63 percent of employees did not feel their employers were doing enough to protect their health and safety in respect of coronavirus.

Confidence building is key. To achieve this, and keep people motivated, productive and as healthy as possible this winter, these are the essential measures every workplace needs in place

1. 1. COVID-19 risk assessmentBy now employers should have carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment and published the results on their website and around the workplace.
   This reassures employees, customers and visitors that that the organisation is following Covid-19 safety guidance.
2. 2. Surfaces Cleaning should be regular and visible, and not just out of hours.
   High-contact areas such as doors, handles and touch screens need to be cleaned throughout the day, and washrooms refreshed at frequent intervals.
   Antibacterial wipes offer an extra degree of protection and should be left out on desks, near shared surfaces and in meeting rooms. These give people the opportunity to wipe screens, phones or keyboards before and after use.
3. 3. Hands As well as posters that encourage effective handwashing in catering, kitchen and washroom areas, workplaces should make hand sanitiser available in every area. Free standing hand sanitiser units are a good idea for entry and exit points.
4. 4. Masks Masks are becoming mandatory in and out of the workplace and are becoming a part of everyday life!
   As an employer, you should be providing your employees with disposable masks, or a washable, re-usable mask for use in any situations where they are concerned about their proximity to others.
5. 5. Distancing People need to continue keeping a two-metre distance from one another in the workplace. If it is not possible to achieve this between desks, transparent acrylic screens are a good solution. These should be set up so people can work to the side of each other rather than face to face.