It is recommended that all employers should have a robust health and safety policy in place that includes specific elements relating to infection prevention and control policy in order to support a safe work environment for employers, contractors, and customers. The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance and resources on this which includes information on undertaking general workplace risk assessments.
Below are some factors to consider when addressing the risks and mitigating actions associated with infections.
- Identify potential environmental or situational risks in the workplace by undertaking a workplace risk assessment.
- As part of this process, identify and consider the needs of vulnerable employees who are likely to be at greatest risk from infections, such as pregnant workers and those with long-term health conditions or over a certain age. Consideration could also be given to those who care for vulnerable people at home. This can be done by using an individual risk assessment process. Ensure that consideration of the need for an individual risk assessment is given to any new members of staff when they start.
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions and controls to put in place to reduce or mitigate the risks.
- Record the significant findings of the risk assessment and communicate it to all relevant staff.
- Ensure staff have received relevant training, keep records of training undertaken, and provide reminders when training is due for renewal.
- Provide adequate information if required such as signage or guidance.
- Review and update the workplace risk assessment routinely (e.g. annually) or when factors change that require a review (e.g. workplace environmental or situational changes, new legislation).