Due to a variety of human and operational factors, there may be an increased risk of:
- accidents / injury
- machinery, plant, equipment or services damage or breakdown
- fire explosion.
COVID-19:
Re-starting your business
guidance for businesses
Many businesses are looking to re-open after temporarily shutting down or reducing their operations due to COVID-19. However, re-opening can present specific hazards, which if not planned or managed properly, may result in damage, injury, legal action and further disruption to your business.
Here's what to look out for:
Your business operations and activities may have changed for example, keeping an increased level of stock, introducing different processes or procedures, changes in shift patterns and staffing. Where these changes introduce new hazards or exposures, risk management measures should all be re-assessed and adapted accordingly
If you have furloughed staff, you will also need to consider the timeframe for bringing them back into the workplace.
If a safe working environment cannot be created, whether through inadequate fire protection, security, unsafe machinery / plant, lack of trained staff or the complexities of implementing COVID 19 precautions for example, then those operations should be postponed until such a time that corrective measures can be put in place.
Re-starting your business - planning ahead
Top 10 things for you to consider
1. Review existing risk assessments and actions
Check these are still relevant to the operation of your business to ensure a safe working environment for your employees onsite, offsite and working at third party premises.
Where your business operations and activities have changed, complete new risk assessments and share the results and actions with your employees, any visitors or contractors. Remember to include fire and security precautions in your review, implementing changes and enhancements where necessary (such as fire or intruder alarm detection or sprinkler protection)
Further support can be found on our health & safety risk assessment, safe systems of work, and fire risk assessment pages of the risk management section of our website.
2. Undertake a thorough inspection of your site
This includes all buildings (interior and exterior), utility services, machinery and plant, stock, any hazardous operations, emergency back-up systems and safety equipment. Locate and fix any unsafe or abnormal conditions such as damage, maintenance issues, leaks, faulty safety and emergency systems, improper housekeeping or storage, signs of vandalism or theft. Our equipment checklist may help you.
3. Review emergency response procedures
Ensure these are up to date and that there’s adequate coverage for assigned positions on all shifts, such as fire wardens and first aiders. Further support can be found on our emergency procedures page.
4. Allow enough time in your planning to recommission previously shut down machinery
This includes plant and processes in line with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manufacturers‘ guidelines.
5. Complete and reinstate any inspection, testing and maintenance procedures
This includes those of a statutory nature that may have lapsed since the shutdown such as utility services, machinery and plant, emergency systems, vehicles, fire and security protection or detection systems. Our equipment checklist may help you.
6. Ensure your employees have the competence and capability for the work activities to be carried out
Check employees have the necessary skills, training and licensing requirements and review whether additional employee training programmes or certification and supervision is required. Refer to your Return to Work policy (if available). Mental health and wellbeing should be considered as well as physical fitness. Further support can be found on our training page.
7. Make sure all protection and detection systems are in service and functioning correctly
This includes fire sprinkler / suppression systems, fire pumps, water supplies, fire alarm systems, intruder alarm systems, CCTV and access control.
8. Carry out enhanced cleaning of the workplace, pre and post re-opening
Pay particular attention to communal areas and touchpoints and include company vehicles in your cleaning regime. Be aware that any alcohol-based sanitisers are flammable. As well as updating your fire risk assessments, check there are no ignition sources near where you are storing them. This includes electrical equipment, hot surfaces and smoking areas. Store them ideally within purpose designed flammable liquid cabinets or steel cabinets. Further support can be found on our storage and use of flammable / explosive materials page.
9. Observe and enforce COVID-19 workplace restrictions in line with government regulations and guidance
These may include social distancing, floor markings, protective equipment, staggered working hours and breaks and digital rather than paper use. Guidance is available from UK Government, Public Health England, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales and the HSE, or may also be available from trade / industry associations.
10. Review your business continuity plan
Include supply chain resilience and implement mitigation measures as appropriate, to reflect any changes to your business operation and lessons learned from the temporary shutdown. Visit our business continuity page for more information.
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Further information and support is available
- Our Risk Management website and Coronavirus resource hub
- UK Government - working safely during coronavirus