As the curve of Coronavirus slowly begins to flatten and life returns to some level of normality, many people are concerned about their return to work. During this time, as an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct measures in place to make the work environment as hygienic and safe as possible.

At Neslo Partitioning, we understand that this is quite the challenge. To make it a little easier for you, we have compiled a list of guidelines and equipment that you can implement to ensure your workforce has a safe return to work.

Carryout a Risk Assessment

The first step to ensuring a smooth return to work is to carryout a Covid-19 Risk Assessment in line with the guidance on the HSE website. Once this has been completed, you should share your results amongst the entire workforce. For more information, visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm

Develop Proper Cleaning Procedures

Take the time to implement comprehensive cleaning procedures for both personal hygiene and workplace hygiene. This should include enforcing proper handwashing guidelines for staff and visitors, in line with government advice, and providing hand sanitizer around the workplace. Objects and surfaces that are regularly used should also be sanitised on a regular basis.

You should also consider installing alternative hand drying facilities other than towels, as these can collect bacteria. Instead, we would recommend disposable paper towels or electric hand dryers. 

Maintain Social Distancing

Whilst there has been a reduction in the number of cases, Coronavirus has not yet been completely eradicated. Therefore, you and your staff should maintain social distancing wherever possible, staying at least two metres apart from one another. In environments where this is not possible, supermarket checkouts for example, we recommend installing protective screens that will provide a barrier and help stop the spread of bacteria.

You may also want to consider enforcing back-to-back or side-to-side working, so staff are not directly facing one another. As we all know by now, Covid-19 is primarily transmitted through air-borne water droplets, so it is vital to reduce this risk wherever possible. 

Develop Comprehensive Entry Guidelines

Something which a number of employers are enforcing is staggered entry and departure times, to avoid a concentrated crowd of people forming. This can be based on a simple rota and is, perhaps, one of the simplest measures you can put in place.

You may also want to consider investing in Thermal Temperature Screening equipment, which will help to identify employees with a high temperature and potential fever prior to entry.

Establish Private Working Areas

Open plan offices are great for a collaborative work environment, but it also allows for germs to spread at a higher rate than usual. Therefore, we recommend installing partitions to establish smaller, private working areas than can act as a barrier between an employee and the rest of the workforce. They will also boost the appearance of your office space, helping to increase the exposure of natural daylight and create a modern aesthetic. 

For more information, visit www.neslopartitioning.co.uk or contact a member of our friendly team on 0333 358 3003.