Employer’s Guide: Protecting Against Covid-19 in the Workplace

October 27, 2021

 

As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise in the UK, the UK Government is facing widespread calls to implement stricter Covid restrictions.

In Wales, Government guidance remains that employees should continue to work at home where possible. This guidance has not yet been re-introduced in England by the UK Government.

However, with a sharp increase in reported Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, employers must ensure that they do not let their guard down when it comes to having robust Covid-19 measures in the workplace. Despite the current lack of national restrictions in place, the duty to take reasonably practicable steps to manage the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the workplace continues.

How to prevent Covid-19 spreading in the workplace

  1. Regularly update your health and safety risk assessment and do everything reasonably practicable to minimise the risks identified. You should actively monitor your assessment to ensure it remains effective and share the results of the risk assessment with your employees.

  2. Maintain hygiene standards in the workplace by frequently cleaning objects and surfaces such as door handles, taps and keyboards that are regularly touched. Consider providing hand sanitisers in multiple locations.

  3. Try to limit the time and number of employees in the workplace at any given time, and keep a daily record of those who attend the workplace. If practical, consider putting in place measures to reduce contact between employees such as screens or barriers to separate employees who sit face-to-face, or move desks apart to maintain a 2 metre distance between them, or have reduced occupancy in the workplace.

  4. Advise employees to stay at home if they feel under the weather, regardless of whether they show typical symptoms of Covid-19. Due to symptom similarities between the common cold and Covid-19, you should make sure employees who can work from home do so as soon as they start to feel unwell.

  5. Educate and encourage employees who have not yet received the Covid-19 vaccine to do so, and support them by offering paid leave for vaccination appointments and reasonable paid sick leave due to vaccine side-effects.

 

For a free, no obligation conversation about how we can help you with the above, please contact Fflur Jones on fjones@darwingray.com / 02920829117

Contact Our Team
Catherine Burke
Partner
View Profile
Damian Phillips
Partner
View Profile
Fflur Jones
Managing Partner
View Profile
Gareth Wedge
Partner
View Profile
Mark Rostron
Partner
View Profile
Nick O’Sullivan
Partner
View Profile
Owen John
Partner
View Profile
Rhodri Lewis
Partner
View Profile
Stephen Thompson
Partner
View Profile

I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee
Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper
ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale
Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere firm who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth
Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani
Property Support Services UK Ltd

Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Simon Baston
Loft Co

We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”

Louise Williams
ACT Training

Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”

Richard D Coulton
Siltbuster Ltd