Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - 09:10
the evidence...
We know from the Public Health England report Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19 that some groups of people may be at more risk of being infected and/or an adverse outcome if infected.
Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19
guidance...
HSE have modified their guidance as a result:
HTtps://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/protect-people.htm
HSE are clear that employers have a duty to protect all workers from harm:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/risk-assessment.htm
Employers are required to conduct a COVID-19 risk assessment which asks employers to:
- 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
Co-design and co-participation with workers / representatives remains key – design your COVID secure environment together
further work...
The SAGE working group is looking at the PHE report but has not yet reached further conclusions. The expectations however are that:
- individual risk assessment or specific group assessments will not be required
- no expectation of additional controls for higher risk groups
- dutyholders must continue to apply existing controls stringently
- the requirement is to provide risk management – not just risk assessment
- there will be an expectation of provision of support for higher risk group