Latest advice on keeping workplaces safe from COVID-19
This page is up to date with working safely guidance in England. There are different regulations and guidance to follow for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The latest advice on continuing to keep workplaces safe will help you assess the risks and reduce COVID-19 transmission. It includes advice from public health bodies and other government departments on measures not implemented by HSE, such as vaccination and testing.
The law says employers must make sure there’s an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. This has not changed during the pandemic.
This guidance will help you and your workers:
- assess your workplace to identify poorly ventilated areas
- decide on the actions you can take to improve ventilation
Why ventilation is important
Someone who has coronavirus breathes out small particles (aerosols) of the virus.
Adequate ventilation reduces how much virus is in the air, so it reduces the risk of breathing in the virus.
Our guide on how ventilation helps you reduce the spread of COVID-19 (PDF) summarises the main actions you should take.
Video on using ventilation to tackle COVID-19
The following video gives basic advice on how you can use ventilation to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in your workplace.
What to do in addition to ventilation
Although ventilation is important it doesn’t reduce:
- droplet transmission (from people being in close contact)
- contact transmission (touching surfaces)
You should still make sure you are working safely by:
- keeping your workplace clean
- ensuring that workers and others are washing their hands frequently
You can identify other control measures through your risk assessment.
Please click here for more details - https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipment-and-machinery/index.htm