mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Construction and other outdoor work
7. Managing your workforce
7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
In this section

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
7.2 Work-related travel
7.3 Communications and training

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
Objective: To change the way work is organised to create distinct groups and
reduce the number of contacts each worker has.
Steps that will usually be needed:


As far as possible, where people are split into teams or shift groups, fixing these teams or shift groups so that where contact is unavoidable, this happens between the same people.


Identifying areas where people have to directly pass things to each other, such as shared tools, materials or job instructions, and find ways to remove direct contact, for example by using drop-off points or transfer zones.


For those workers who are required to travel and stay away from home in onsite accommodation, creating fixed groups of workers so that where contact is unavoidable, this happens between the same people.


Minimising worker congregation at bottlenecks such as timeclocks, entrances and exits and maintaining social distancing during shift handovers.
Construction and other outdoor work
1. Thinking about risk
1.1 Managing risk
Objective: To reduce risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking
preventative measures, in order of priority
Employers have a duty to reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably
practicable level by taking preventative measures. Employers must work with
any other employers or contractors sharing the workplace so that everybody’s
health and safety is protected. In the context of COVID-19 this means working
through these steps in order:


In every workplace, increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning.


Businesses and workplaces should make every reasonable effort to enable working from home as a first option. Where working from home is not possible, workplaces should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (keeping people 2m apart wherever possible).


Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full, in relation to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the business to operate, and, if so, take all the mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their staff.   


Further mitigating actions include:  
– increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning
– keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
– using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
– using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face)
whenever possible
– reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed
teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others)

Finally, if people must work face-to-face for a sustained period with more than a small group of fixed partners, then you will need to assess whether the activity can safely go ahead. No one is obliged to work in an unsafe work environment.   

In your assessment you should have particular regard to whether the people
doing the work are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
The recommendations in the rest of this document are ones you should consider
as you go through this process. You could also consider any advice that has
been produced specifically for your sector, for example by trade associations
or trades unions.
If you have not already done so, you should carry out an assessment of the
risks posed by COVID-19 in your workplace as soon as possible. If you are
currently operating, you are likely to have gone through a lot of this
thinking already. We recommend that you use this document to identify any
further improvements you should make.
*[COVID-19]: coronavirus
Construction and other outdoor work
2. Who should go to work
2.3 Equality in the workplace
Objective: To treat everyone in your workplace equally.
In applying this guidance, employers should be mindful of the particular needs
of different groups of workers or individuals.
It is breaking the law to discriminate, directly or indirectly, against anyone
because of a protected characteristic such as age, sex or disability.
Employers also have particular responsibilities towards disabled workers and
those who are new or expectant mothers.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Understanding and taking into account the particular circumstances of those with different protected characteristics.


Involving and communicating appropriately with workers whose protected characteristics might either expose them to a different degree of risk, or might make any steps you are thinking about inappropriate or challenging for them.


Considering whether you need to put in place any particular measures or adjustments to take account of your duties under the equalities legislation.


Making reasonable adjustments to avoid disabled workers being put at a disadvantage, and assessing the health and safety risks for new or expectant mothers.


Making sure that the steps you take do not have an unjustifiable negative impact on some groups compared to others, for example those with caring responsibilities or those with religious commitments.
Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.1 Coming to work and leaving work
Objective: To maintain social distancing wherever possible, on arrival and
departure and to ensure handwashing upon arrival.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Staggering arrival and departure times at work to reduce crowding into and out of the workplace, taking account of the impact on those with protected characteristics.


Providing additional parking or facilities such as bike-racks to help people walk, run, or cycle to work where possible.


Limiting passengers in corporate vehicles, for example, work minibuses. This could include leaving seats empty.


Reducing congestion, for example, by having more entry points to the workplace.


Using markings and introducing one-way flow at entry and exit points.


Providing handwashing facilities, or hand sanitiser where not possible, at entry and exit points.


Providing alternatives to touch-based security devices such as keypads.


Defining process alternatives for entry/exit points where appropriate, for example deactivating pass readers at turnstiles in favour of showing a pass to security personnel at a distance.
Construction and other outdoor work
2. Who should go to work
2.1 Protecting people who are at higher risk
Objective:To protect clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable
individuals.
Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals have been strongly advised not to
work outside the home.
Clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness
(for example, people with some pre-existing conditions) have been asked to
take extra care in observing social distancing and should be helped to work
from home, either in their current role or in an alternative role.
If clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable) individuals
cannot work from home, they should be offered the option of the safest
available on-site roles, enabling them to stay 2m away from others. If they
have to spend time within 2m of others, you should carefully assess whether
this involves an acceptable level of risk. As for any workplace risk you must
take into account specific duties to those with protected characteristics,
including, for example, expectant mothers who are, as always, entitled to
suspension on full pay if suitable roles cannot be found. Particular attention
should also be paid to people who live with clinically extremely vulnerable
individuals.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Providing support for workers around mental health and wellbeing. This could include advice or telephone support.


See current guidance for advice on who is in the clinically extremely vulnerable and clinically vulnerable groups.
Construction and other outdoor work
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings
6.1 Face coverings
There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally
beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a
face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are
infected but have not developed symptoms.
A face covering can be very simple and may be worn in enclosed spaces where
social distancing isn’t possible. It just needs to cover your mouth and nose.
It is not the same as a face mask, such as the surgical masks or respirators
used by health and care workers. Similarly, face coverings are not the same as
the PPE used to manage risks like dust and spray in an industrial context.
Supplies of PPE, including face masks, must continue to be reserved for those
who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and
care workers, and those in industrial settings like those exposed to dust
hazards.
It is important to know that the evidence of the benefit of using a face
covering to protect others is weak and the effect is likely to be small,
therefore face coverings are not a replacement for the other ways of managing
risk, including minimising time spent in contact, using fixed teams and
partnering for close-up work, and increasing hand and surface washing. These
other measures remain the best ways of managing risk in the workplace and
government would therefore not expect to see employers relying on face
coverings as risk management for the purpose of their health and safety
assessments.
Wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by law, including in
the workplace. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face
coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them
off. You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by
police officers and staff for the purposes of identification.
Employers should support their workers in using face coverings safely if they
choose to wear one. This means telling workers:

wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
when wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face or face covering, as you could contaminate them with germs from your hands
change your face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it
continue to wash your hands regularly
change and wash your face covering daily
if the material is washable, wash in line with manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in your usual waste
practise social distancing wherever possible

You can make face-coverings at home. Find guidance on how to wear and make a
face-covering on GOV.UK.
*[PPE]: Personal protective equipment
Construction and other outdoor work
1. Thinking about risk
1.2 Sharing the results of your risk assessment
You should share the results of your risk assessment with your workforce. If
possible, you should consider publishing the results on your website (and we
would expect all businesses with over 50 workers to do so).
Below you will find a notice you should display in your workplace to show you
have followed this guidance.  
Staying COVID-19 Secure in
2020
(This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an
accessible
format.)
*[COVID-19]: coronavirus
Entering the UK
Who does not need to provide their details or self-isolate for 14 days
You will not need to fill in the form or self-isolate for 14 days if you’re
travelling to the UK from:

Ireland
the Channel Islands
the Isle of Man

There are other reasons why you might not need to fill in the form or self-
isolate. Read the list of who does not need to fill in the form or self-
isolate.
The rules about who does not need to fill in the form or self-isolate will
remain under review and may change in the future. You’ll be able to find more
information on this page when it’s available.
Entering the UK
Self-isolate for your first 14 days in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, go straight to the place where you will self-
isolate. Your friends or family can collect you from the airport, port or
station. Only use public transport if you have no other option. If you do use
public transport, wear something that covers your nose and mouth and stay 2
metres apart from other people.
You must not leave the place you’re staying for 14 days.
You can only leave if:

you need urgent medical treatment
you need support from social services
you need food and medicine and cannot get them delivered or get a friend or family member to bring them
you’re going to the funeral of a close relative, or for other compassionate reasons
there’s an emergency, for example there’s a fire at the place you’re staying

You cannot have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are
providing essential care.
If you’re at home or staying with friends or family, avoid contact with the
people you’re staying with and minimise the time you spend in shared areas.
If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you cannot use shared areas such
as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities. Stay 2 metres away
from all other guests and staff.
If you will not be able to safely self-isolate at the place you’re planning to
stay, tell Border Force officers when you arrive in the UK. They’ll give you a
choice of accommodation to stay at.
After 14 days
If you do not have any coronavirus symptoms after 14 days, you can stop self-
isolating. You will then need to follow the same rules as people who live in
the UK. Check the rules for the nation you’re staying in:

England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland

Find out what to do if you develop coronavirus
symptoms.
Entering the UK
Provide your journey and contact details when you travel to the UK
From 8 June, if you’re travelling to the UK you’ll need to fill in an online
form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel.
You’ll be able to find the form on this page when it’s available - check again
before you travel.
You might need to show that you’ve completed the form when you arrive at the
UK border.
If you refuse to fill in the form, you may be fined. You also may not be
allowed to enter the UK (unless you’re either British or a UK resident).
The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone
you’ve travelled with develops coronavirus symptoms, and to check that you’re
self-isolating for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms
Do not travel if you have coronavirus
symptoms.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms when you’re travelling to the UK, tell the
crew or driver on your plane, ferry, train or bus. They’ll let staff in the
airport, port or station know, so they can tell you what you should do next
when you arrive.
Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.3 Workplaces and workstations
Objective: To maintain social-distancing between individuals when they are at
their workstations.
For people who work in one place, workstations should allow them to maintain
social-distancing wherever possible.
Workstations should be assigned to an individual as much as possible. If they
need to be shared they should be shared by the smallest possible number of
people.
If it is not possible to keep workstations 2m apart, then extra attention
needs to be paid to equipment, cleaning and hygiene to reduce risk.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Reviewing layouts, line set-ups or processes to allow people to work further apart from each other.


Using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help workers keep to a 2m distance.


Only where it is not possible to move workstations further apart, arranging people to work side-by-side or facing away from each other rather than face-to-face.


Only where it is not possible to move workstations further apart, installing screens to separate people from one another.


Using a consistent pairing system if people have to work in close proximity, for example, during 2-person working, lifting or maintenance activities that cannot be redesigned.
Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.5 Common areas
Objective: To maintain social-distancing while using common areas.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or places to eat.


Using safe outside areas for breaks.


Creating additional space by using other parts of the worksite or building that have been freed up by remote working.


Using protective screening for staff in receptions or similar areas.


Providing packaged meals or similar to avoid opening staff canteens, where possible.


Reconfiguring seating and tables to maintain spacing and reduce face-to-face interactions.


Encouraging staff to stay on-site during working hours.


Considering use of social distance marking for other common areas such as toilets, showers, lockers and changing rooms and in any other areas where queues typically form.
Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.4 Meetings
Objective: To reduce transmission due to face-to-face meetings and maintain
social-distancing in meetings.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Using remote working tools to avoid in-person meetings.


Only absolutely necessary participants should attend meetings and should maintain 2m separation throughout.


Avoiding transmission during meetings, for example, from sharing pens and other objects.


Providing hand sanitiser in meeting rooms.


Holding meetings outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms whenever possible.


For areas where regular meetings take place, using floor signage to help people maintain social-distancing.
Factories, plants and warehouses
1. Thinking about risk
1.1 Managing risk
Objective: To reduce risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking
preventative measures, in order of priority.
Employers have a duty to reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably
practicable level by taking preventative measures. Employers must work with
any other employers or contractors sharing the workplace so that everybody’s
health and safety is protected. In the context of COVID-19 this means working
through these steps in order:


In every workplace, increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning.


Businesses and workplaces should make every reasonable effort to enable working from home as a first option. Where working from home is not possible, workplaces should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (keeping people 2m apart wherever possible).


Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full, in relation to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the business to operate, and if so, take all the mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their staff.   


Further mitigating actions include:  
– increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning  
– keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
– using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
– using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face)
whenever possible
– reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed
teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others)

Finally, if people must work face-to-face for a sustained period with more than a small group of fixed partners, then you will need to assess whether the activity can safely go ahead. No one is obliged to work in an unsafe work environment.   

In this assessment you should have particular regard to whether the people
doing the work are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
The recommendations in the rest of this document are ones you should consider
as you go through this process. You could also consider any advice that has
been produced specifically for your sector, for example by trade associations
or trades unions.
If you have not already done so, you should carry out an assessment of the
risks posed by COVID-19 in your workplace as soon as possible. If you are
currently operating, you are likely to have gone through a lot of this
thinking already. We recommend that you use this document to identify any
further improvements you should make.
*[COVID-19]: coronavirus
Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
In this section

3.1 Coming to work and leaving work
3.2 Moving around buildings and worksites
3.3 Workplaces and workstations
3.4 Meetings
3.5 Common areas
3.6 Accidents, security and other incidents

Objective: To maintain 2m social-distancing wherever possible, including while
arriving at and departing from work, while in work, and when travelling
between sites.
You must maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible.
Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full in relation
to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity
needs to continue for the business to operate, and, if so, take all the
mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their
staff.
Mitigating actions include:

further increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning
keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible.
reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others).

Social distancing applies to all parts of a business, not just the place where
people spend most of their time, but also entrances and exits, break rooms and
canteens and similar settings. These are often the most challenging areas to
maintain social distancing.
Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.2 Moving around buildings and worksites
Objective: To maintain social-distancing wherever possible, while people
travel through the workplace.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Reducing movement by discouraging non-essential trips within buildings and sites, for example, restricting access to some areas, encouraging use of radios or telephones, where permitted, and cleaning them between use.


Reducing job and equipment rotation.


Introducing more one-way flow through buildings.


Reducing maximum occupancy for lifts, providing hand sanitiser for the operation of lifts, and encouraging use of stairs wherever possible.


Making sure that people with disabilities are able to access lifts.


Reducing occupancy of vehicles used for onsite travel, for example, shuttle buses.


Regulating use of high traffic areas including corridors, lifts, turnstiles and walkways to maintain social-distancing.



Example lift practices.