Updated Work Safely Protocol

The updated Work Safely Protocol which is now entitled “Transitional Protocol- Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19” has been published this week.

The newly published Transitional Protocol eases many requirements on businesses but says good practices should be maintained. Employers have been asked to continue good infection control practices and keep a Covid-19 response plan in place.

Employers encouraged to retain the Lead Worker Representative (LWR) role, a designated isolation area and take into account the needs of high-risk employees.
The general requirement to maintain two metres social distance and to operate pods of six has been removed.

The key changes include:

• Updated Protocol is now good practice guidance
• The document eases many requirements on businesses but says good practices should be maintained
• Employers have been asked to maintain good infection control practices, keep a Covid-19 response plan, are encouraged to keep the LWR role, a designated isolation area, and take into account the needs of high-risk employees
• The general requirement to maintain two metres social distance and to operate pods of six has been removed
• Employers do not need to collect contact details of people but may need to provide attendance information as appropriate to Public Health in the event that they are investigating an outbreak in the workplace
• The wearing of face coverings applies to certain settings such as healthcare, transport, retail and public offices and by those serving food and drink

The Transitional Protocol: Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 is available here.