Scottish Government publishes Coronavirus (Covid-19): safer businesses and workplaces

The Scottish Government has today (16 December) published new Guidance for businesses and workplaces on reducing the risk of Covid-19 and supporting staff and customers.

Sector specific mandatory and advisory measures

These are additional mandatory and advisory measures for specific sectors to help the sector to reduce transmission of the virus:

Working in other people’s homes

The government’s guidance states:

When working in other people’s homes, it is still important to take actions and implement measures to limit the risk of transmission of the virus. This is important for limiting the risk to yourself/your employees, but also the risk to those living in the house where the work is taking place.

• before entering other people’s home, workers should undertake an LFD test on the day, prior to attendance
• householders should also undertake an LFD test on the day, prior to the visit. The Scottish Government is encouraging householders, particularly those on the high-risk List, to ask people who are working in their home to take an LFD test first
• if anyone in the house is self-isolating, staff should not enter unless the work required is essential/an emergency
• as with any workplace, risk assessments are important in identifying risks and how they can be controlled. Even if self-employed or an individual contractor, you should undertake a risk assessment for working in someone else’s home that covers Covid
• staff should wear a face covering, especially when moving through the home or engaging with any of the householders. They may want to ask members of the household to wear a face covering when engaging, though it should be remembered that not everyone is able to wear one
• ventilation of the workspace/home should be maximised to allow circulation of fresh air
• workers should try to keep a reasonable distance from individuals in the household
• when travelling to/from the work location, consider the relevant guidance
• If you employ individuals who are required to work in other people’s homes, you should continue to work with these individuals, or their representatives, on health and safety matters.

SFHA is working to clarify the detail of this guidance with the Scottish Government and discussions will take place at the Social Housing Resilience Group on Monday 20 December. Members will be updated regarding any developments.

Read the guidance here.