Photo by kate.sade on Unsplash A checklist for returning to work Many businesses have remained working with special measures in place but for others a return to the workplace is something that will need to be planned for over the next couple of weeks. Guidance is expected from the government shortly [ exit strategy ], it is likely to include advice about maintaining social distancing, use of gloves, face masks and face shields if appropriate and regular deep cleaning. It is also likely people will be asked to keep working from home if they are able to do so. The furlough scheme is currently set to close at the end of June and many companies will already be considering a staggered return to the workplace for some roles. The mantra of stay home, protect the NHS and save lives has been largely effective and employers may have a task ahead to convince people that a return to the physical workplace is safe. Maintaining employees’ trust and confidence during this time through effective planning will be key to ensuring a smooth transition back into the workplace. Questions to ask Who is shielding and or lives with someone who is shielding What childcare issues will people have Who is finding it difficult to work from home Who uses public transport or car shares Do we have access to PPE ? what might we need? What are our customers doing? Actions to take Plan - create a cross functional, multi-level team to plan the return to work transition, including translating government guidance and implementing the measures. By including people from across the business you will ensure better engagement and buy in. Review of premises – prior to allowing people to return to site, undertake a site survey to ensure the working environment will be safe, identify areas that will need preventative measures : toilets, kitchen, open plan spaces, entrances, shared equipment. Does it need a deep clean? What are the touchpoints? Communicate - keep staff fully informed of what you are doing and any timescales – agree methods: phone, email, conference call etc. Will staff return to the office/ workplace whilst others remain on furlough ? Existing employment model – does it remain appropriate?, roles, hours, location, flexible working, terms and conditions of employment, policies etc. Consider the legal position of any revised working arrangements. Is consent required and/or should there be any process of information and consultation? Risk assessments - carry out and implement risk assessments to comply with the employer’s duty of care as employees return to work. Ensure that assessments and implementation measures are tailored to the business,working environment and each role. Ensure robust evidence of compliance can be readily provided of COVID-19 measures in the event of health and safety inspections. Have a protocol in place on how the business will respond to a local spike in cases. Cleaning- review / update arrangements especially around common touchpoints PPE do you need to provide?, if so ensure it meets required standards, is suitable for the associated work activity, fits correctly and sufficient stock can be maintained. Do you need to buy now, rather than later? Wellbeing and welfare – is there an agreed procedure for flagging or raising any concerns about workplace safety. Who will monitor and respond to employee concerns and anxiety. Health screening and monitoring - does the business need temperature checks, at what point will testing be available and if so will the company make it mandatory. What is the company position on track and trace technology? Insurance - check insurance policies to verify the extent of cover,are you covered if an employee contracts COVID-19 on a return to the workplace? Return to work plans - consider cohort systems to allow staff to work alternate shifts and/or part of the workforce to continue to work from home as part of a phased return to the workplace to enable social distancing. Consider if this approach gives rise to lone working arrangements and whether additional risk assessment, equipment and training is required COVID-19 cases at work – review and revise the procedures you put in place for reporting. Contingency consider contingency plans for any future recurrence of COVID-19
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October 2020
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