Risk Assessment
Risk
“Data from published epidemiology and virologic studies provide evidence that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from symptomatic people to others who are in close contact through respiratory droplets, by direct contact with infected persons, or by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.”
The symptoms of Coronavirus are as follows:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- loss of taste and smell
The following measures have been put in place to mitigate the risks. We will be assessing our measures and adapting constantly to keep up to date with government guidelines.
The information in this document will also be reviewed in line with government advice and advice from governing bodies.
Testing
More information and how to get tested:
If a customer develops Covid-19 symptoms after visiting ‘Hope Omurisu:
If symptoms develop within 2-3 days of visiting the ‘Hope Omurisu’, any person who has had direct contact with the customer should self-isolate.
Any person who has had indirect contact with the customer is advised of the situation and should monitor their symptoms.
What are the hazards?
Who is at risk:
- Staff
- Visitors to the premises
- Cleaners
- Contractors
- Drivers
- Vulnerable groups – Elderly, Pregnant workers, those with existing underlying health conditions
- Anyone else who physically comes in contact with you in relation to your business
Controls Required
- Handwashing facilities with soap and water in place.
- Stringent hand washing taking place.
- See handwashing guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
- Drying of hands with disposable paper towels.
- Staff encouraged to protect the skin by applying emollient cream regularly
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/
- Gel sanitisers in any area where washing facilities not readily available
Cleaning:
- Frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, till screens, fridge doors, telephone using appropriate cleaning products and methods.
Social Distancing:
- Reducing the number of persons in any work area to comply with the 2-meter (6.5 foot) gap recommended by the Public Health Agency
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
- Taking steps to review work schedules including start & finish times/shift patterns, working from home, etc. to reduce the number of workers on-site at any one time. Also relocating workers to other tasks.
- Redesigning processes to ensure social distancing.
- Conference calls to be used instead of face-to-face meetings.
- Ensuring sufficient rest breaks for staff.
Wearing of Gloves:
- Where Risk Assessment identifies wearing gloves as a requirement of the job, an adequate supply of these will be provided.
- Staff will be instructed on how to remove gloves carefully to reduce contamination and how to dispose of them safely.
RPE:
Public Health guidance on the use of PPE (respiratory protective equipment) to protect against COVID-19 relates to health care settings. In all other settings, individuals are asked to observe social distancing measures and practice good hand hygiene behaviors
Where RPE is a requirement for risks associated with the work undertaken the following measures will be followed:
- Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face.
- A face fit test will be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer.
- Wearers must be clean-shaven.
Drivers:
- Procedures in place for drivers to ensure adequate welfare facilities available during their work
https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/drivers-transport-delivery-coronavirus.htm
Mental Health:
- Management will promote mental health & wellbeing awareness to staff during the Coronavirus outbreak and will offer whatever support they can to help
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
