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In such extraordinary times, and with new advice and official guidance being shared on a regular basis, it is incredibly important for employers to keep a constant review on where they stand with regard to health and safety.

There are various guidelines which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued and shared, all of which can be accessed via its dedicated coronavirus information hub. From the face fit test for respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to how to ensure work plant and equipment remain safe to use, there is information relevant to a range of industries.

At PMR Solutions, with the majority of our clients being office-based, there are certain guidelines that will be more relevant, and these are the ones we will elaborate on in this series of articles, namely social distancing; health and safety advice for home workers; first aid cover and qualifications during coronavirus, and what, when and how to report COVID-19 under RIDDOR.

In Part 1, we are dealing with social distancing.

Social distancing whilst commuting and working

With the exception of some non-essential shops and public venues, the government is urging businesses to continue operating, under certain restrictions.

Businesses are encouraged to support working from home wherever possible, with travel to work only being considered if there is no way at all the job can be done from home, and providing workers are not presenting any coronavirus symptoms, self-isolating or living in the same household as someone who is self-isolating. This falls in line with advice from the Chief Medical Officer.

Social distancing must be observed whilst travelling, as far as is practical. This means workers must maintain a two-metre distance between themselves and fellow commuters.

Social distancing must also be observed within the workplace. Where an employer has no choice but to maintain staff onsite, they are advised to follow Public Health England guidelines on social distancing. This includes, wherever possible, keeping a two-metre distance from other people, as well as following regular hand washing routines, or using hand sanitiser gel where soap and water are not available.

The Federation of Small Businesses has created a free, downloadable workplace poster providing guidance on how to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19, including useful advice on hand washing. 

What happens if an employer fails to comply with government guidelines?

If the HSE identifies any employers failing to take action to comply with relevant government restrictions, for example employers who are not taking appropriate steps to socially distance, or make sure any staff that fall under the shielded category are able to follow NHS advice to self-isolate for the specified period, then it will consider a variety of actions in order to improve the control of risks within the workplace.

Such actions will include the provision of specific advice to employers, through to issuing enforcement notices to encourage improvements to be made that fall within the Public Health England guidance.

Whilst social distancing is for the main part a public health measure that was put in place to reduce the spread of infection, the HSE does recognise the concerns raised on workplace social distancing and has been liaising with trade unions on the subject.

Early this month, the HSE, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a joint call for employers to ensure safe working conditions during the coronavirus outbreak, advising the need to take practical steps to minimise the threat of workers being exposed to the virus wherever possible, including enabling social distancing. Their statement reaffirmed the HSE warning that if employers fail to comply with the latest PHE guidance then they will face enforcement notices and potential closure.

Keeping up to date

Keeping up to date with changing advice during these uncertain times is vital. Always take care to consult official sources, such as those linked to within this article.