Questions and Answers

Our premises have a number of self-closing fire doors on the corridors. A new employee uses a wheelchair and we are concerned that she may have difficulty opening these doors. What action could we take to resolve this issue?

What is the position on pay for several of my workers who have had to self-isolate because of the coronavirus?

One of my team is obviously working far longer hours since our office closed during the pandemic and we started working from home. I have tried to discourage this but it seems to be her way of coping with anxiety. I’m worried she’s heading for burnout. What can I do?

I have been asked to prepare a brief for our Managing Director on how we can improve arrangements for consulting with employees on health and safety. Could you outline the factors I should be considering?

We have put in place appropriate measures based upon the UK Government’s Covid-19 secure guidelines. How can we assure our employees and other stakeholders that we are taking all the measures necessary?

We have decided to provide our employees with face coverings if they wish to wear them, eg when travelling on public transport or for shops or cafes at lunch. Are there any specific standards for face coverings and what, as an employer, is our duty in relation to advising employees on the use of face coverings?

We have been advised to install a clean agent fire suppression system in our server room. What is a clean agent?

We want to make sure we take the most appropriate action in the event of a Covid-19 case or outbreak. What measures should we be looking at?

We are aware that in England the test and trace service is going to be important in the overall management of Covid-19. As an employer, what would we be expected to do as part of the test and trace regime?

A member of staff who is trained in first aid has asked whether or not they are expected to assist someone if they fall ill with symptoms of Covid-19. What is the position on this?