New Government guidance to help workplace safety

New guidance released to help ensure workplace safety includes separate guidance for construction and for working in people’s homes has been produced by the Government.

The guide is to help employers, employees and the self-employed in the UK understand how to provide workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping as many people as possible 2-metres apart from those they do not live with.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) said that businesses should review their risk assessments in line with the new guidance and introduce any additional measures they consider reasonably practicable to mitigate the risks identified related to COVID 19.  The CLC is currently reviewing the Site Operating Procedures in light of this guidance.

The new guidance does not supersede any legal obligations relating to health and safety, employment or equalities and it is important that as a business or an employer continues to comply with their obligations, including those relating to individuals with protected characteristics.

It also contains non-statutory guidance to take into account when complying with these existing obligations. When considering how to apply this guidance, take into account agency workers, contractors and other people, as well as your employees.

In total the Government issued eight guides to cover a range of different types of work. Some businesses operate more than one type of workplace and may need to use more than one of these guides to keep people safe.

You can access the guidance here

There is separate guidance for those working in construction and people’s homes (relevant to repair services, fitters, and plumbers)

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