Employers must protect people from harm, and this includes taking reasonable steps to protect their workers and others from Coronavirus. This is called a COVID-19 risk assessment, which will help employers manage risk and protect people.
When undertaking such a risk assessment, employers must:
Identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus.
Think about who could be at risk.
Decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed.
Act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn't possible, control the risk.
COVID risk assessments must be updated to reflect any changes in legislation or guidance that may impact how a work activity is carried out, for example if there is a change in local or national restrictions.
The HSE has updated its guidance on what to include in a COVID-19 risk assessment, which also includes examples of further action to consider in order to control the risks. For example:
Putting in place social distancing measures.
Staggering shifts.
Providing additional handwashing facilities.
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