Below is a summary of some of the main points employers should be aware of.
The Working Safely guidance, which came into force on 19 July, provides sector-specific advice on sensible precautions employers can take to manage risk and support their staff and customers. The advice has been separated into the following six sectors:
Although the guidance does not supersede employers' existing legal obligations, it is important that it is taken into account by employers when considering their health and safety, employment and equalities duties in relation to employees, workers and customers.
Whilst it is strongly recommended that the individual guidance is checked for sector-specific advice, in general the guidance sets out six priority actions that should be taken by employers/customer-facing staff members. These are:
The full guidance also recommends that employers continue to consult workers and any trade union health and safety representatives with regards to health and safety matters, and 'if possible' to consider publishing the risk assessment results on their website. Employers with over 50 workers are expected to do so. The guidance makes it clear that all businesses should show their workers and visitors that they have properly assessed their risk and have taken appropriate measures to mitigate this.
Further information is also included on how employers could consider reducing contact for workers, what to take into account with regards to staff who were previously shielding and how to handle tests and vaccinations.