What actions can employers take to help get their staff back to work
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has this week announced their concerns that businesses could be facing financial disaster if they don’t properly plan and manage for their staff being eased back into the physical workplace.
RoSPA’s occupation safety and health policy adviser, Dr Karen McDonnell, warned that rushed, inappropriate or ill-thought-out return to work actions could be the downfall of many organisations.
Read the detailed Government guidance that applies to your workplace
There has been detailed guidance released by the Government and Health and Safety Executive, with advice on how your workplace may be able to open safely – specifically for allowing those who cannot work from home to return. If you have staff that can work from home, they must continue to do so.
Update your risk assessments
Do not substitute good health and safety practice for speed of return. Rushing employees back to work without ensuring you can adhere to the strict health and safety guidance measures could spell disaster for your business if you experience an outbreak of Covid-19 that could have been managed and minimised with better health and safety practice. Minimising the risks for employees and customers with robust health and safety measures in place will be beneficial for your business in the long-run.
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Manage your reputation or risk criminal proceedings
Getting return to work health and safety practices right, is important for the health and wellbeing of your staff and wider community, but also for your business’s reputation. Health and safety isn’t just about regulations and compliance, but about the significance you place on your people. Helping to ensure they can go home to loved ones without spreading the virus and equally, that they aren’t putting other colleagues at risk, should be at the forefront of employers’ minds. A business that doesn’t respond appropriately at this time, could end up losing staff and struggling to recruit in the future. Not to mention that cutting corners could lead to criminal proceedings and prosecutions as a result of poor health and safety practice.
Check out RoSPA’s Back-to-Work Review service
Working with organisations like HSE and Public Health England, and with insights via national committees and member, RoSPA has put together an at-cost review service, for organisations looking for additional support and guidance with their preparations for return to work. RoSPA’s COVID-19 Back-to-Work Review should help give employers the peace of mind to open their doors and get their employees back to work safely.
The new service consists of an onsite visit, in line with social distancing guidance, and a concise report with details of the areas you’re addressing and those that require attention. Find out more about the COVID-19 Back-to-Work Review.
Developed by experts in the field of Health and Safety, the Access Health & Safety online portal allows for simple management of key health and safety related responsibilities, including risk assessments, audits and incident reporting, along with health and safety training for your employees.
