Workplace safety as lockdown eases
This week saw the announcement of a further easing of the coronavirus lockdown, with restaurants, pubs, hotels and campsites given the green light to reopen from 4th July, along with cinemas and hairdressers. Good news for those of us desperate for a pint and a haircut!
Even if you don’t work in one of those industries, it means the number of people on public transport, and generally out and about, will get back to more normal levels, and it is understandable that this may cause anxiety around the continued risk of Covid-19.
Keeping contractors safe
General measures
As an employer, we want to do all we can to help our contractors back to work safely, and without worry. That includes providing information on what safety measures that can reasonably be expected on return to a working environment.
Sector-specific government guidance is available to all businesses, however the minimum safety code should include:
- Observing the (new) minimum 1metre rule of social distancing
- A one-way system in communal spaces
- Spacing of work stations where possible
- Frequent cleaning of equipment and communal areas
- Supply of hand sanitiser
- Provision of PPE where appropriate
What to do if you don’t think your workplace is safe
If you don’t think your workplace is safe, and you are not comfortable raising it with the engager directly, please let Liquid Friday (as your employer), or your agency know.
This allows us to address your concerns through the proper channels, to ensure your safety and that of others in your workplace.
Risk Assessments
Before any business reopens after lockdown, a detailed risk assessment should be carried out, and this should be made available to everyone onsite and in the wider supply chain; communication is key to ensuring everyone’s safety.
To assist our agency partners, and their clients, we have produced a template Risk Assessment, with input from industry-leading advisors. It is designed to be clear, easy to use and achievable and is free to download from the link below.