11 December Workplace ventilation and COVID The HSE has recently reminded employers about the importance of ventilation in the workplace. It is an appropriate time to remind ourselves of some of the basic rules. In practical terms, you should consider the following issues: People should work from home if they can You should review and update your COVID-19 Risk Assessment. This … Read More
6 May Can you dismiss workers who refuse to attend the workplace over COVID-19 concerns? Can you dismiss workers who refuse to attend the workplace over COVID-19 concerns? I do not intend to digress too much into the world of Employment Law or HR, but a recent case (Rodgers v Leeds Laser Cutting Limited ET/1803829/2020) has proved very interesting. Over the last year (and counting), COVID-19 has created many challenges … Read More
26 August COVID-secure and HSE enforcement The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it will be carrying out further spot inspections at businesses in areas with the highest coronavirus infection rates as it continues its efforts to halt the spread of the virus. This means that HSE inspectors will be dropping in on businesses and putting employers on the spot in Oldham … Read More
26 August Schools, face coverings, and WHO guidelines With schools in England poised to return over the next week or so, the issue of face coverings has received much attention. The current WHO advice is that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from … Read More
20 August Coronavirus – spikes and lockdowns – are you COVID-19 secure? In the UK we have seen cities like Leicester placed under lockdown, and extra measures introduced in other areas (such as Manchester). Yesterday saw the news that Ireland’s coronavirus restrictions being “significantly” tightened after the number of cases increased rapidly over the past two weeks. All businesses in Ireland have been told to let employees … Read More
23 June HSE view on Air Conditioning eAir conditioning The risk of air conditioning spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace is extremely low. You can continue using most types of air conditioning system as normal. But, if you use a centralised ventilations system that removes and circulates air to different rooms it is recommended that you turn off recirculation and use a … Read More
18 May Don’t neglect the homeworkers in the rush back to work How are you doing? It’s a simple question, but one that can be taken for granted and so not asked! With lockdown continuing into week nine for most of us, there is little indication of when homeworkers will be returning to their offices. It is worth taking a little time to complete a mental health review. … Read More