The importance of practical risk assessment

Employers must carry out risk assessments and put measures in place to eliminate or to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19. To do this, employers should follow current public health guidelines on the following:

• Hand washing
• Cleaning of the setting
• Social distancing
• PPE
• Symptoms of COVID-19
• Mental health.

The findings from a risk assessment should be acted on as quickly as possible, and the content of the risk assessment should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is relevant and up to date, in line with the latest guidance.

It is also essential that employers consider what risk factors for COVID-19 are when they carry out risk assessments in their settings as some employees will be more susceptible to COVID-19 than others for various reasons.