Keeping Workplaces Safe As Coronavirus Restrictions Are Eased

A mostly-empty office Advice from the HSE

This page provides the latest information on any changes related to workplace safety during the pandemic, following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

It also provides details of advice from public health bodies and other government departments on requirements that aren’t enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and with links to their guidance.

The guidance will be updated by HSE to reflect any reviews of social distancing and other long‑term measures, as set out in the UK and devolved governments’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic.



Roadmap For Coming Out Of Lockdown

On 22 February 2021, the UK government announced a four‑step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life.

There are different approaches and timescales for easing of restrictions in Scotland and Wales.

As the economy reopens, businesses should continue to follow the relevant government guidance on working safely and put in place measures to reduce the risk of COVID‑19 transmission.

The following workplace controls remain unchanged:

Returning To The Workplace Safely

As restrictions are eased and people return to work, it is vital that their workplace is COVID‑secure following on from completing a COVID risk assessment.

Please refer to your relevant guidance:

The HSE have advice on talking to your workers about returning to work after a lockdown, with examples of questions you can ask to help them understand the risks and contribute to decisions on reducing the risk of transmission.

These include talking about changes in your workplace, such as site rules, one‑way systems and arriving at work.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) also provides useful guidance on talking to workers about returning to the workplace.

Advice From Public Health Bodies And Other Government Departments

The UK government, and those in Scotland and Wales, have introduced several public health measures to support reducing transmission of coronavirus.

The following guidance from public health bodies and other government departments covers matters that are not enforced by HSE, including:

  • mass asymptomatic testing in education settings
  • workplace testing
  • testing, tracking and tracing
  • vaccinations
  • face coverings

Mass Asymptomatic Testing In Education Settings

The UK and devolved governments’ education or public health departments lead on testing in education settings. HSE is not responsible for producing guidance on testing programmes.

Please refer to your relevant guidance:

Education settings should ensure that workplace testing is carried out safely and control measures are in place to manage the risk of COVID transmission during the testing process.

Workplace Testing

The respective governments’ public health departments lead on workplace testing, HSE is not responsible for producing guidance on testing programmes.

Please refer to your relevant guidance:

Businesses should ensure that workplace testing is carried out safely and control measures are in place to manage the risk of COVID transmission during the testing process.

There is Acas advice on testing staff for coronavirus.

Testing, Tracking And Tracing

HSE does not have a role in establishing or enforcing the different testing and tracking approaches across the UK.

In England, you can find information on NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace, where there is helpful advice on how they:

  • provide free testing for anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus to find out if they have the virus
  • get in touch with anyone who has had a positive test result to help them share information about any close contacts they have had
  • alert those contacts, where necessary, and instructs them to self‑isolate

Separate information and guidance applies in Scotland and Wales.

Vaccinations

The NHS is currently leading the COVID‑19 vaccine programme. The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Read the latest JCVI advice on priority groups for the COVID‑19 vaccination on GOV.UK.

There is Acas advice on getting the coronavirus vaccine for work.

Separate guidance applies for the vaccination rollout programmes by the NHS in Scotland and Wales.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are a public health protection measure largely intended to help protect others. They are not classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) and are therefore not covered by health and safety legislation.

The HSE have a page explaining the difference between face coverings and surgical face masks.

For England, read the latest advice on face coverings and where to wear one on GOV.UK.

Separate regulations and guidance apply for public and workplace use of face coverings in Scotland and Wales.