Working safely during COVID-19 in Factories, Plants and Warehouses

You may already be familiar with the recently issued Government Guide on how to manage staff who are returning to work following the closure of work premises (above named and updated 03/07/2020). This 37 page document covers information such as; ventilating work spaces, organising staff working together in teams in order to minimise the risk of contamination when social distancing is not practical, staff working operations layout and hygiene advice.

Why do we need these guidelines?

Industrial environments often employ large numbers of people, possibly doing shift work, which differs from working in an office for example. Every business will have their own ideas about safe working practices and indeed the advice given is non-statutory guidance. The guide describes the minimum level of safety for staff regarding COVID-19, in order to support employers with their care of duty for employees, volunteers and visitors.

Who wrote it?

The document has been prepared after consulting with unions, industry bodies and the Health and Safety Executive, so who better to ask than those who actually do the job themselves. We could say that we are in good hands here and the document provides a good basis for a COVID-19 risk assessment which can then be shared with employees. There is a useful link to a poster which can be printed out and displayed in the workplace to help reassure staff that precautions have been taken. You can view this poster here.

What’s the best piece of advice in the document?

If in doubt exercise caution.

How can we help at Boxer FM?

Specialist deep cleaning before a building reopens is strongly advisable. If the building has been closed for a while and hasn’t been in daily use then the risk of contamination might be small. However, it is really difficult to be sure that somebody hasn’t nipped in to collect something, or check something, all without your prior knowledge. The advice given especially applies here - if in doubt exercise caution. Be confident any site or area that has been closed or partially operated is clean and ready to restart.

Regular cleaning of work spaces at the end of each shift and as a new one begins. We have expert industry cleaning experience and can tailor this knowledge to your requirements. It is rarely a case of one size fits all, every job is unique with its own set of specific demands. We are careful to draw up health and safety and COSHH documents, as well as risk assessments. This will include details such as the correct disposal of all cleaning and other rubbish, for example. We can take care of all of these new cleaning requirements giving you one less thing to worry about.

Enhanced cleaning for busy and frequently used areas. Special consideration is given to toilets, showers, changing rooms and any other staff areas. We can help support you in this new normal using our expertise and constant work ethic to ensure your business is cleaned thoroughly and efficiently.

Reliable cleaning service, we service over 250 properties for more than 50 clients, so we have a proven track record and a wealth of experience within the cleaning industry. We also operate additional maintenance services and facilities management services on a national basis. So no matter what size business or where you are located, we would be happy to help.

As a first step please get in touch by calling us on 01527 833 333 or emailing us admin@boxerfm.co.uk. One of our experienced staff will be happy to advise you today.

The full document can be viewed using this link https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5eb965d5d3bf7f5d3c74a2dd/working-safely-during-covid-19-factories-plants-warehouses-030720.pdf

Visit https://www.gov.uk/workingsafely for updates.

Another useful document published by WHO https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf