This matrix has been assembled as a vehicle to commence discussions on the likely risks to staff from COVID – 19 infection when returning to work and suggested measures to mitigate the risks. This matrix has been prepared in line with the current UK Government guidelines, however may be subject to amendment based on any further guidance / regulations issued.
From details emerging from UK Gov. briefings, mitigation measures it is likely that they will need to remain in place for the rest of 2020 or until an efficacious vaccine is developed and received by the population. This means that some measures may need to be extended into the new year (2021)
In line with UK Gov and WHO Guidance, employers will be required to produce their own risk assessments for continuation and return to work. It is generally accepted that the employer will have the duty of care towards the assigned employee and is charged with the duty to fully assess the risk to staff from their processes and the additional risk posed by the COVID-19 Virus. Therefore, any Control measures including Safe systems of work, additional PPE, information, instruction and training and supervision are the responsibility of the client employer. As a training company, PPL Training has both the legal and moral duty (Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999) to ensure that both staff and delegates are suitably and sufficiently managed with regard to the assurance of their health, safety and welfare by the diligent transfer and exchange of information.
This transfer of information will be the responsibility of all management staff of PPL Training, however will also adapt to any additional measures required by our clients, in relation to on site course delivery, using the minimum requirements of the information detailed below
TASK | DETAIL | RISK FACTORS | REQUIRED MITIGATION MEASURES |
---|---|---|---|
Travel to and from centre Staff and Delegates Travel to on- site location | Private Car |
Lowest risk means of travel as driver is enclosed in personal space. May not be feasible in some circumstances due to a lack of available parking. Car could be a means of cross contamination home / work / home which will necessitate sanitation of interior contact surfaces. |
Establish provision of parking in vicinity of centres and where appropriate prioritise use of available spaces on the basis of need. Drivers recommended to wipe down interior exterior contact surfaces of car at the end of each journey including but not exclusively; door handles / gear lever / indicator and light stalks / steering wheel etc. to reduce risk of cross contamination. Avoid car sharing as this will increase the risk of transmitting the disease. |
Pool Cars | The use of pool cars carries a potentially high risk of the infection being passed on to colleagues and beyond via contamination of hard contact surfaces. |
If the pool car has to be used, the following precautions must be maintained.
|
|
Public Transport |
Train / bus / tram / taxi/ underground travel presents a potentially Increased risk of infection from fellow passengers due to overcrowding and uncleaned hard contact surfaces. |
Where public transport travel is unavoidable;
|
|
On Foot |
Walking to work presents a lower risk of infection as long as correct social distancing can be maintained. |
|
|
By Cycle |
Cycling to work presents a lower risk of infection as long as correct social distancing can be maintained. |
|
|
The Working Day Staff, Vistors and Delegates | On Arrival |
Queues at entrances/ building reception may reduce correct social distancing. Door handles will become contaminated with use. Key pad stations will become contaminated |
|
Office space |
Staff, and visitors to the centre will need to maintain two metres distance during the working day. |
|
|
Classrooms |
Delegates and trainers will need to maintain two metres distance during the working day. All classroom furniture will require sanitisation in between respective courses (where practicable) Course documentation, handouts in paper format, potential for cross contamination of issuing documentation, marking exams etc One to one exams, along with the use of laptops will be subject to cross contamination between users Course materials pens/ rulers etc will be form of cross contamination |
|
|
Practical Training Areas |
Delegates and trainers will need to maintain two metres distance during any practical demonstration Practical equipment, test equipment, training aids will be subject to cross contamination by each user on each respective course, as well as between courses |
|
|
Shared Spaces |
Staff/ delegates will require access to toilets and the kitchen area during the day. These areas present a higher risk of contamination due to lack of social distancing and virus contaminating hard surfaces. |
The toilets should be deep cleaned at least daily (see infection control).
Use of the kitchens should be managed and with social distancing requirements maintained
|
|
Access arrangements |
Lifts provided in larger offices are not large enough for two persons to maintain correct social distancing and present a high risk of infection through lack of space a hard surfaces. |
|
|
Emergency procedures |
Emergency procedures such as fire evacuation need to remain in place during any phased return to work. The arrangements you have made or are required to follow may be affected by additional controls in place to prevent the spread of COVID – 19. This may be especially relevant to any disabled person for whom there is an evacuation plan in place |
|
|
Infection Control |
The risk of infection with COVID – 19 is increased due to workers travelling in from home. Both methods of transmission (airborne droplets and contact contamination) will potentially be continual. Carriers can be asymptomatic further increasing the potential for infection |
Allow employees to work using masks and gloves if they wish. This will reduce the overall risk and reduce worry, however consider impact on effective course delivery (where applicable) The offices and classrooms shall be deep cleaned every night including
|
|
Employee/ Delegate who shows symptoms of COVID – 19 |
It is likely that for at least the remainder of this year the potential for staff to become infected with COVID – 19 will remain. The infection could be picked up anywhere but this exercise is concerned with an employee who displays symptoms of the virus whilst at work which will Place all staff and visitors at risk. |
If an employee, or delegate, becomes symptomatic for COVID – 19, this (under current UK Gov. Regulation) will require.
|
|
Visitors | Utility/ Postal Services |
There may be visits made to the centres by staff working for the utilities (gas / electricity) etc. to carry out maintenance/ meter readings or deliver post |
All utility and property service companies will have their own COVID-19 operating policies in place for the protection of their staff. Post can be dropped off in respective door areas, with reception being informed |
Centre Opening Hours are 8:30am - 5:30pm (Mon - Thu) and 8:30am - 5:00pm (Fri).