Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying safe at work
The guidance encouraging you to work from home to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has now been updated. Employers and employees should discuss the balance of office and flexible/ hybrid working to put in place working arrangements that best meet organisational needs.
Staying safe
As with the removal of other measures, this does not mean that there is no risk from COVID. It is still circulating across society.
Working from home is a very effective way of reducing social contacts and breaking chains of transmission and employers may still wish to consider how remote or flexible working could be used effectively.
What employers can do to help reduce the virus spreading
Where staff are going or returning to workplaces, employers are encouraged to carefully consider what practical mitigations might be put in place, which are suitable for their settings.
These may include:
- hygiene and sanitary measures, such as regular handwashing
- some form of social distancing, ideally of no less than one metre where practicable
- mechanical or natural ventilation
- the use of physical barriers
- wearing face coverings in communal areas
- testing
Symptoms and testing
Employers and employees should be aware of the key symptoms of respiratory infections including COVID-19.
Employees who have symptoms should follow the latest testing and staying at home advice.