The SME Support Forum strongly recommends that all businesses planning to return to work, in some shape or form, over the coming weeks and months, carry out a robust Risk Assessment and prepare a Return to Work Plan. Failing to prepare now, will only delay the reopening of businesses.”
“A risk assessment addresses the threat of Covid-19 and it’s important that businesses identify the measures and systems they need to implement to control the risks for employees and any individuals visiting the premises. We are urging people to take action now and work out what they need to do to ensure they can reopen safely.
Alongside this, develop a Return to Work Plan to ensure you can prepare for getting your employees back to work – for example, do you need to introduce shift patterns, implement entrance and exit protocols and consider staff who have children and might not have childcare. In addition, if your premises are leased and you have neighbouring businesses in the same building, it is imperative that you communicate with your Landlord and find out what safety measures they are taking to ensure communal areas are kept safe and to make sure that your plans are aligned,” Chris added.
The SME Support Forum has put together the following list of practical steps to help businesses implement a suitable Risk Assessment and Return to Work Plan:
Risk Assessment
Hygiene, cleaning and sanitation procedures in line with government guidance
Social distancing measures to maintain a 2m distance
A Response Plan for staff displaying symptoms of COVID-19
Ongoing monitoring and induction – consider vulnerable staff
Return to Work Plan
Re-work layout of your premises environment to ensure social distancing
Staggered shift patterns and people planning to ensure social distancing
Provide appropriate PPE, sanitation stations and introduce frequent cleaning protocols
Meetings with clients / suppliers within your premises
What track and trace system do you need to put in place
Kitchen and bathroom areas
Mental health and wellbeing awareness and support
Protocol to respond to second wave of Covid-19
“We are conscious there are so many small and medium sized businesses across Northern Ireland that mightn’t have the resources in place to access information on what they should be doing and would like to remind people that the SME Support Forum is on hand to provide free support and guidance at this challenging time, so please get in touch if there is anything you are unsure about,” Chris concluded.
For information from the free SME Support Forum or to get in touch, visit www.mckees-law.com/sme-support-forum
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