Keeping Safe when Returning to Work
19 May 2020 Category: Covid-19 PeopleNviro would like to express our enormous gratitude for the dedication of our front-line team in continuing to deliver safe, clean and hygienic environments. Your safety at work is paramount to us and we would like you to read and follow the enclosed risk assessment, to either prepare yourself for when you can return to work, or to keep you safe if you are already working.
Key points we would like to remind you of:
Symptoms of COVID-19
Remember you should only come into work if you are well, and neither you nor a household member has symptoms of COVID-19.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
Social distancing on site
You should keep 2 metres apart from your work colleagues and other building users, as much as possible, this incudes when signing in and out of work. You should not congregate with colleagues in break times or within the cleaning cupboard.
Hygiene
You should wash your hands frequently using soap and water for 20 seconds, and especially after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, on arrival at work, before and after eating, after using public transport, and when you arrive home. Where facilities to wash your hands are not available, hand sanitiser should be used. Wash your hands before signing into work, and put your gloves on, to avoid any cross contamination.
Avoid touching your face at all times whilst at work, in particular your mouth, eyes and nose.
PPE
The above guidelines have been proved to be more effective than PPE in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
However you must wear gloves that you have been supplied with. Disposable gloves should be changed at the end of each shift or when changing from cleaning washroom areas to general areas kitchens, as you have always done in. Disposable gloves should be placed in general waste after use.
If you have been issued with reusable rubber gloves then you will need to wash them after use or change of cleaning area. While still wearing them, wash the outside of the gloves with soap or a mild detergent and hot water. Remove the gloves and immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Turn the gloves inside out and soak them in a mixture of soap and water and leave to dry.
You must inform your line manager if you are running low on any of these items at your site before you run out.
Face coverings should be worn if you are unable to adequately social distance from others. Nviro have supplied all sites with face masks for you to wear. However it should be noted that the evidence of the benefit of using a face covering is small, therefore face coverings are not a replacement for the other ways of managing risk such as hand washing and social distancing.
In order to be effective, face masks must be worn correctly, using the elastic straps to secure the mask covering you nose and mouth. If you wear a mask, they should be changed at the end of each shift or washed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, if you have been issued a reusable fabric mask. You must use good universal hygiene behaviour and ensure you wash your hands before putting on and removing the mask, otherwise this can increase hand to mouth and nose cross contamination.
Please continue to follow the method statements and instruction given to you by your line manager for other types of PPE. Continue to wear any other items issued for your particular tasks such as goggles, safety glasses, or safety footwear. Goggles, masks and glasses should be thoroughly washed in hot soapy water at the end of each shift and left to dry in a secure site.
Travelling to and from work
Where possible you should drive, walk or cycle to work rather than use public transport. If you are using public transport you should avoid rush hour if possible, and try to maintain the 2 metre rule away from any other passenger. If this is not possible a face covering is recommended.
COVID-19 Testing
If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are self-isolating, you are eligible to apply for a test to confirm whether you have the virus or not, as you are a key worker. For further information please contact Jodie, our HR Administrator at JBetteridge@nviro.co.uk or refer to the Government website www.gov.uk.
Nviro culture
We need to be the leaders of keeping safe on site and working to the social distancing and hygiene requirements, therefore please do politely remind others of the importance of these measures if you see someone who is not adhering to them. If you have any concerns please inform your line manager.
Once again I would like to thank you all for you dedication in supporting Nviro, each other and your communities through this pandemic.
Thank you!
