COVID-19 – business continuity
they would return to work without the right protective workwear. Around 40% of UK workers said that they would
be likely to refuse to go to work without the right PPE. This rose to 44% for those aged 25 to 34 years old, and to 45% for respondents in the construction and engineering sectors. As we look to get the economy going, employee absenteeism could have a hugely negative effect on our tentative steps to economic recovery if over a third of people in the UK refuse to go into their workplaces because they do not feel they have the correct equipment to keep them safe. Further, the survey found that a large majority (74%) of people would feel safer going back into work if their employers provided them with the right PPE. This number jumps to 83% for respondents aged 18 to 24, and to 79% for those aged 25 to 34. Also, a significant number of respondents thought that they had not been given enough guidance on protective equipment. Around 22% said that they felt they did not have enough information about PPE, or only a limited amount, to be able to go back to work. This figure jumps to 28% for those in the hospitality and leisure sectors, which look to suffer disproportionately from the fallout of the virus. On top of this, the answers show that workers
believe guidance on the appropriate equipment should come from both their employer and the government. The survey found that 81% of UK workers want clear advice from their employer, while 73% want clear advice from the
government. In fact, 87% of respondents even said that it was the role of their employer to provide PPE. This figure is consistent across all sectors,
rising to 89% for workers in the retail and consumer, manufacturing, transport and logistics sectors, and reaching a high 90% for respondents in the healthcare sector. These results demonstrate that, as we emerge from lockdown, there is still a sizeable amount of worker anxiety and uncertainty, which appears to be due to a deficit of available information and guidance on workplace safety measures. Although this situation is challenging, it provides a good opportunity for industry leaders to show how seriously they take the comfort and health of their staff.
Seize the initiative
Many employers are already starting to have the necessary conversations to reassure their workers that their safety is the biggest priority. Others will still be thinking of the best way to help their own staff, to make sure they get it absolutely right. While the type of equipment recommended for each separate industry varies between professions, we have developed a series of simple guidelines that provide practical advice for employers. The guidelines have been developed with the
best working knowledge of the situation at present and are subject to change with new information.
FOCUS
www.frmjournal.com JULY/AUGUST 2020
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