FEATURE
TEMPERATURE SCREENING Temperature screening is not a recommendation in the
guidelines. However, this practice has been adopted by a number of organisations as an initial warning system, particularly those in the manufacturing and construction sectors. If businesses decide to carry out temperature screening, information relating to temperature screening will need to be processed in accordance with data protection laws. The UK data protection regulator, the ICO, has produced guidance for employers relating to this issue.
A transparent and fair policy needs to be implemented in relation to who is tested and when to prevent any allegations relating to victimisation or discrimination. The screening process, including communication of results, must be conducted in a way that respects the individual’s privacy. Training must be provided to those conducting the testing and control measures to ensure their safety. Businesses must be clear on the process to be followed in the event that a temperature test result is disputed.
WORKING FROM HOME – THE NEW NORM? Employers have the same health and safety
responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers. HSE has developed its guidance on the issues that employers should consider specifically in relation to home workers. It’s important to keep in touch with staff to ensure that they are supported, have appropriate supervision and do not feel isolated. A workstation assessment should also be carried out in
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respect of people working from home on a long-term basis and regularly reviewed.
NHS TEST & TRACE The NHS Test & Trace Service provides testing for
anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, traces and alerts ‘close recent contacts’ and, where necessary, notifies them of the need to self-isolate to help stop the spread of the virus. Employers are encouraged to support workers who are required to self-isolate; for example, by not placing pressure to return to work, finding alternative work from home if appropriate (this may include finding an alternative role), and ensuring that the worker is receiving sick pay if working at home is not possible.
Appointing a central point of contact in the business to assist the NHS tracers in the event that a worker tests positive could help to limit the scope of business disruption, especially if strict social distancing measures are being observed.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP Should you have any queries or require any assistance
in relation to workplace health and safety matters, our dedicated health and safety team would be delighted to assist.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this issue, Womble Bond Dickinson is hosting a Health and Safety webinar on 28 July. Sign up here.
www.womblebonddickinson.com 45
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