Safe return to work will involve more than being ‘Covid-19 Secure’, suggests IOSH

Companies must address all return-to-work health risks as business gradually open up following the lockdown, not just those directly related to Covid-19, the Institution of Safety and Health (IOSH) has insisted.

It said the “new normal” will likely result in changes in workplace values, attitudes, behaviours and culture, all of which could result in health and wellbeing concerns for workers.

It urged firms to consider accessibility requirements when revamping their workplaces to adhere to social distancing and Covid-19 Secure guidance. For example, lift occupancy is likely to be reduced or restricted, but wheelchair users and those with disabilities will still need to be able to access the workplace safely.

“Health and safety must come first. For organisations, it’s about a systematic plan-do-check-act approach and forward-thinking employers have already been planning for safely restarting work, once allowed to cautiously do so,” said IOSH head of policy and regulatory engagement, Richard Jones.

“Employers need a planned, risk-controlled approach, based on strong leadership, worker involvement and sound health and safety advice”. Cross-functional teams should assess the risks for Covid-19 security and general health and safety and ensure action before workers return.

“This includes full consideration around how any changes implemented could impact on the mental health and wellbeing of staff.”

IOSH reiterated that opening workplaces “cannot happen overnight”, as a raft of policies, procedures and working conditions needed to be adjusted.

It said most workplaces would need to introduce one-way systems; markings on the floor; cubicles and partitions; the use of masks and gloves; more handwashing stations and increased cleaning of equipment and regular deep cleans.

“Until we are certain that the infection rate has dropped, most likely due to a vaccine, it’s really unlikely that we can return to the way things were pre-Covid 19,” said Protecting founder Mark Hall.

Via Ashleigh Webber on 22 May 2020, personneltoday.com.