This toolkit provides step-by-step guidance for re-opening the workplace after the Covid-19 restrictions. It provides links to key information and templates on the website.
Returning to the workplace Re-opening the workplace brings a new set of health and safety challenges in terms of assessing business operations and ensuring the workplace is safe and Covid-19 risks are controlled. |
Employers’ duties Employers should remember that they have a duty of care towards their employees and should take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their workforce, preventing them from being exposed to unnecessary risk. |
Planning the return to the workplace
1. Inspect the premises
If the property has been left completely unattended, you may find unexpected pests, damage or breakages — all of which need to be addressed before employees return.
Tests to run before the premises is reoccupied might include:
checking the fire alarm systems, extinguishers and escape routes
inspecting lifts or pressure systems
making sure your water systems avoid legionella risks (see Employer Factsheet: Legionella Control During the Pandemic)
ensuring any asbestos-containing materials have not deteriorated or been damaged.
2. Undertake the necessary risk assessments
These will help you identify the additional control measures and adjustments that will need to be implemented. Use the Coronavirus Return to Work Risk Assessment — Completed Example and Coronavirus Staff at Risk — Risk Assessment Template as a starting point. These assessments should be carried out in consultation with employees or trade unions and should be continually reviewed and adjusted.
The Government has said that: “If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments on their website and we expect all businesses with over 50 employees to do so.”
3. Decide who will return
Will everyone be returning to the workplace or are there some who will continue to work from home for some or all of the time? Don’t forget to continue to support homeworkers. See our Working from Home Toolkit.
4. Consider how to maintain a Covid-safe workplace
You may need to review workplaces, procedures and work patterns. Your coronavirus risk assessment should help identify where controls are needed.
Should you adjust work patterns and arrival/departure times to reduce the number of employees in the premises at the same time?
How can you reduce bottlenecks at access points and lifts?
Do you need screens or barriers for employees?
What actions should be taken to mitigate the risks of shared equipment?
How will you maintain distancing and hygiene with regards to bathroom use? See How to make your toilet facilities coronavirus-safe.
Can you improve ventilation? See updated guidance on ventilation from the HSE and Safer ventilation at work — airborne transmission of the virus.
Could you implement one-way corridors?
To what degree do employees need to change how they use break times, and access kitchens, canteens and refreshments on-site?
What will be the procedure for visitors and contractors?
Would signs or other visual aids assist in changing behaviour? See Coronavirus — how to change behaviour.
How will the organisation evacuate for a fire or other emergency? What changes need to be made for first aid provision? See also What to do if there is a Covid outbreak at work
What is your policy on face coverings in the workplace?
We have a variety of Covid-secure features summarising the Government advice for certain sectors and a library of useful Q&As. See also the Coronavirus Toolkit.
5. Establish your cleaning and hygiene needs
The risk assessment should help you identify the optimal cleaning regime. It might be useful to circulate this Employee Factsheet: Hygiene at Work.
Identify your cleaning needs (eg more frequent cleaning, regular disinfecting of surfaces, handles, keyboards, bannisters, lift buttons, photocopiers, etc) and confirm whether your existing cleaning contractor can fulfil them. Do you need to bring in additional help or order supplies? The Cleaning topic has some detailed advice regarding Cleaning and Covid-19, including how to dispose of cleaning waste.
6. Consider issues around work equipment
Plant and machinery will need to be inspected for deterioration, etc. If employees have taken IT equipment, office furniture or other assets home with them you will need a plan to get them back to the workplace, sanitised and checked.
7. Amend your HS and HR policies accordingly
Obviously there are lots of variables depending on the organisation, its size and activities. Issues to look at might include the following.
What working hours, shift patterns, and locations need to change?
Will work processes change at all? Is there outside space you could use? See How to hold outdoor meetings.
What refresher training or training on new procedures is needed? .
What will be your procedures if there is a suspected case of coronavirus? See our Employer Factsheet: Managing a Suspected or Confirmed Covid-19 Outbreak.
What adjustments will be made for clinically vulnerable or high-risk employees? See the feature An update on shielding: what do employers need to know?
Will you require work-related travel? How will this be managed? See Covid Secure driving: Getting back on the road.
Does your supply chain or procurement process need support or adjustments?
What will be your policy on the Covid vaccine? See the template Coronavirus Vaccine Policy.
Will you instigate a workplace testing regime? See our feature Can staff refuse testing and vaccines? and the template In-house Covid-19 Testing Policy.
8. Devise a communications strategy
It is worth involving staff and unions in the planning process and you should keep communications channels open with staff, unions, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Once you have a plan, it needs to be communicated carefully to all employees on the understanding that it will likely need to be adjusted as you go. Aim to give employees reasonable notice of a return to the workplace so that they can arrange childcare, investigate commuting options, etc. Your employees must be confident that you are not putting them at risk by asking them to return to work, so let them know the measures you are taking to keep them safe. See Employee consultation and collaboration during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Useful feature articles
Employee consultation and collaboration during the Covid-19 pandemic
Covid Secure: working safely for offices, factories and labs
Covid Secure: working safely in shops, branches and close contact services
Covid Secure: working safely for construction and outdoor workers
Risk Management
Useful documents
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Test and Trace: Contingency Planning Policy
Employer Factsheet: Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Provision of First Aid
Employer Factsheet: Managing a Suspected or Confirmed Covid-19 Outbreak
Coronavirus: Return to Work Risk Assessment — Completed Example
Coronavirus: Premises-based Workers Risk Assessment — Completed Example
Coronavirus: Mobile Workers Risk Assessment — Completed Example
Coronavirus: Construction Workers Risk Assessment — Completed Example
Coronavirus Essential Business Risk Assessment — Completed Example
Coronavirus: Consent to Third Party Involvement in Testing and Vaccination
Useful news items
Self-isolation removed for close contacts of the double jabbed
Warning against using infrared thermometers as part of Covid checks
Daily contact testing rolled out to further critical sectors
Government updates the rules on self-isolation and critical workers
Call for Covid-19 to be recognised as an occupational disease
The role of testing in Covid-secure workplaces
The impact of long Covid on employers and workers
JCVI advises offering Covid-19 vaccine to pregnant women
HSE issues updated guidance on ventilation as control measure to reduce Covid-19 aerosol transmission
Covid-19 linked to increased risk of mental health disorders
Re-opening the premises? Check your water supply
First worker in Britain sacked for refusing to wear a mask?
HSE updates its guidance on disinfecting premises during the pandemic
New international standard for safe working in the pandemic
Coronavirus and RIDDOR: do you know when to report?
Urgent reminder on asbestos management during lockdown
Useful Q&As
Useful topics
Official websites
Business guidance and support, GOV.UK
Reopening and adapting your food business during COVID-19, Food Standards Agency
Return to work guidance, British Occupational Hygiene Society.
Last reviewed 4 October 2021