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Version 2 of BSI’s Safe Working Guidelines is published today to help organisations to protect workers from the continuing coronavirus risks, mitigate outbreaks and build long-term resilience.
The updated guidelines include hundreds of contributions from experts across industry, academia, and governments globally to consolidate practical guidance and experiences arising from the pandemic.
In addition to safety planning and assessment of risks, it introduces advice on managing suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 in all workplaces, including at home and in mobile settings.
The guidelines include recommendations to:
- Treat any person who becomes unwell in the workplace as potentially having Covid-19;
- Ensure suitable PPE is provided for first aiders;
- Isolate the person who is unwell and provide them with a face mask;
- Require the affected person to go home (or to a medical facility);
- Establish if an affected worker has been in close contact with other workers and support those workers to self-isolate;
- Ensure the areas the affected person has been in are either isolated or cleaned; and
- Provide clear guidance on when it is safe for a worker who has had Covid-19 to return to work.
The guidelines state that reasonable adjustments should be made to support workers returning to work after contracting Covid-19, taking into account their physical and psychological needs – such as allowing flexible work hours and time off.
Scott Steedman, director of standards at BSI, said: “This week, as many organisations reopen their doors to customers and staff, we are faced with the challenge of protecting the public by helping to prevent work-related outbreaks of the virus. Working with technical experts, BSI has set out clear and practical guidance for organisations to mitigate the risks of Covid-19, minimise transmission, and manage suspected and confirmed cases”.
The advice highlights the need to make sure safety measures are inclusive and accessible to all, and to recognise the importance of workers’ psychological health and wellbeing. It also includes new guidance on:
- Safe use of toilets;
- Working from home; and
- Reporting to external parties.
Working with expert advisory bodies, BSI will continue to revise advice as often as necessary to reflect the changing situation. Each revision will take into account public feedback, government guidance, the level of risk, and emerging knowledge. It expects to publish the third version of the guidelines in August.
You can download version 2, comment on the safe working guidelines and/or sign up to be alerted for the latest versions here.
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