What does the government say about returning to work?
Before you reintroduce staff back into any work environment you must carry out a COVID-19 Risk Assessment. This is one of the 5 steps the Government has stipulated as necessary in order to manage the risk of the spread of Coronavirus and ensure the safety of staff returning to work.
A Return to Work Covid-19 Blank Risk Assessment Form template can be used to write in your findings: the hazards you have identified; the existing controls; the further measures and actions required and when they have been completed.
A worked example office risk assessment template is also available. This worked example can assist by prompting the identification of hazards, those at risk, controls undertaken and further actions.
It is imperative that each risk assessment is specific to each business, location, department and employee and that all measures, controls and actions are carried out and not just recorded on the form.
The Government has advised that all business with 50 employees or more must share the completed COVID-19 risk assessment forms with their workforce, but it is recommended that all employers should do so, even if they have less than 50 employees.
The Covid-19 Daily Health Declaration Form is for all staff to complete on a daily basis to confirm that they have not knowingly been in contact with an infected person, have been maintaining social distancing and do not have symptoms themselves.
More information can be found at GOV.UK on specific employer settings.
