Working Safely Guidance

The latest information and guidance on working safely for businesses.

Workplace Safety Advice

New  NHS Test and Trace App

The Government launched aTest and Trace App #NHSCOVID19app, making it easier for your customers to safely check-in and be alerted in the event of a coronavirus outbreak.Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, will be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and you will be required to display official NHS QR code posters under law ahead of the NHS COVID-19 app being rolled out nationally next week.

The app is a vital part of NHS Test and Trace in England and provides users with local risk information, alert them if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and very importantly has a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues.

The new legal requirements state;

It is now mandatory for a wider range of businesses and organisations to collect customer, visitor and staff contact detail log. This is vital for the NHS Test and Trace service in England to contact the necessary people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified in venue.

Businesses include;

  • hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
  • tourism and leisure, including gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks 
  • close contact services, including hairdressers *facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events), libraries and children’s centres 

From Thursday 24 September, your business will must display the official NHS QR code posters to make it easier for people to check-in at different premises once the app is rolled out nationally. If individuals choose to check-in using the QR code poster they do not need to log in via any other route.

Checks will be carried out to ensure that these measures are followed and enforcement action will be taken against business operators where there is non-compliance.  There will be fines of up to £1,000 for venues that are failing to comply. Fines will rise to up to £4,000 for repeat offenders.

QR Poster Guidance

Find out more: https://covid19.nhs.uk. Download a QR code at https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster .


Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Face coverings

From 24 September, in retail and hospitality settings, staff are required to wear face coverings. Please check sector specific guidance to see if this requirement applies to your workplace. A face covering must be worn when you're not sat at your table.

You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • children under 11
  • because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • to communicate with someone who relies on lip reading
  • to avoid harm or injury; to identify yourself
  • to eat or drink if necessary

You can carry something that says you do not have to wear a face covering for medical reasons. This is a personal choice, and is not necessary in law – you should not routinely be required to produce any written evidence to justify the fact you are not wearing a face covering.

Relevant guidance on face coverings is available here

The government has updated its guidance about how to make your workplace COVID-secure:

  • Close contact services Updated guidance on regulation changes (section 1), saunas and steam rooms (section 2.1) and reminding clients to wear face coverings (section 6.2).
  • Construction and other outdoor work - updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
  • Factories, plants and warehouses -Updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
  • Labs and research facilities -Updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
  • Offices and contact centres - Updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
  • Other people's homes -Updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
  • Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services Updated guidance on regulation changes (section 1), customers dancing and singing (sections 2.1 & 4.5) and staff wearing face coverings (section 6.1).
  • Shops and branches Updated guidance on regulation changes (section 1) and customers and staff wearing face coverings (section 6.1).
  • Vehicles - Updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
  • Heritage locations Updated guidance on thinking about risk (section 1), keeping your customers, visitors and contractors safe (section 2), who should go to work (section 3) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face coverings (section 6).
  • Hotels and other guest accommodation Updated guidance on managing risk (section 1.1), keeping your customers, visitors and contractors safe (section 2), who should go to work (section 3) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face coverings (section 6).
  • Performing arts Updated guidance on thinking about risk (section 1), who should return to training, rehearsal and performance (section 2), managing performances (section 3), hair and makeup (section 4.16) and face coverings (section 6.2).
  • The visitor economy Updated guidance on managing risk (section 1.1), managing your customers, visitors and contractors (section 2), who should go to work (section 3) and face coverings (section 6).
  • Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities Updated guidance on saunas and steam rooms (section 2.1.3)
  • A free guide and risk assessment template that is available to download has been developed by The Centre for Assessment (part of The Growth Company) Risk-Assessment Guide from CfA.
  • For further information on the guidelines including Posters, leaflets and other materials please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
  • A free Awareness Course is available on the British Assessment Bureau website to help you addresses the measures you can implement in your home and work environment to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the coronavirus.Find out more .

Bolton Council understand that businesses may look to adapt their normal operating model to allow compliance with the current measures the government have put in place. If you are looking to operate a take away/drive through service that may have an impact on the highway please contact our highways team email highways@bolton.gov.uk for guidance.

 

Published: 11th February 2021