As lockdown measures ease in Wales, businesses need to remain vigilant and make sure their COVID-secure measures, as well as other health and safety measures, are in place to protect workers, visitors and others.
Being COVID-secure means being adaptable to the current guidance and having measures in place to manage the risk of coronavirus.
The following workplace controls remain unchanged:
As the economy reopens, ensure your workplace is safe by following Welsh Government advice at Business and employers: coronavirus.
Welsh Government has also produced guidance for employers on face coverings at work: Face coverings: guidance on measures to be taken by employers and managers of premises.
Remember your COVID risk assessment
Every workplace should have a COVID risk assessment and you should update it to reflect any changes in legislation or guidance that may impact your work activity, for example changes in local or national restrictions.
You should also talk to staff, provide information and consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus – putting controls in place to reduce that risk.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation (including air conditioning) can help reduce risk of spreading coronavirus in workplaces.
Talking to your workers about returning to work
Returning to the workplace may be difficult for some employees, making them more susceptible to workplace stress. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its guidance to help you talk to your workers about providing support and maintaining control measures when people are returning to work.
Examining and testing equipment
Equipment stored or unused for long periods of time should be checked for damage or deterioration. There is updated advice on thorough examination and testing of equipment as restrictions are eased.
Legionella
If your building has been closed or had reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease. See the HSE guidance on legionella risks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Spot checks and inspections
HSE continues to carry out spot checks and inspections on businesses in all sectors and regions to check they have COVID-secure measures in place. This includes businesses that have been operating throughout the pandemic, and those that are starting to reopen.
During the spot checks and inspections, advice and guidance will be provided to help manage risk and protect workers and visitors, but where businesses are not managing this, immediate action will be taken.
Further information is available on spot checks and inspections here.