This document has been prepared using the guidelines set out in the documentation issued by HM Government dated 11 May 2020 and updates upto and including 5 November 2020. CCL will do all it can to make sure our employees and customers are healthy and safe during these very difficult times.
This guidance states - Employers have a duty to reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking preventative measures. In the context of COVID-19 this means working through these steps in order:
We have carried out our risk assessment with this in mind. Please note this is an ongoing process and it will be updated at necessary.
1. Consider home working where possible
All employees that can reasonably work from home will do so, including contact centre staff and support staff. Equipment has been provided to allow safe home working for example remote VPN access and equipment where necessary.
Contact is kept with all employees as needed to make sure they are managing in these difficult times.
2. Protecting people who are at higher risk
Clinically vulnerable individuals will be offered safe on site roles if they cannot work from home. We shall consider those employees who may be in a higher risk group.
3. Equality in the Workplace
We will be mindful of any particular needs or different groups of workers and take into accounts the particular circumstances of those with protected characteristics.
4. Social distancing at work
We will maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible. Staff will be reminded of the need for social distancing. Risk assessments will be carried out for each area and if social distancing cannot be followed in full for a particular activity and the activity needs to take place for the business to operate then we shall take mitigating actions as detailed in the individual risk assessments, following guidelines set by government. These may include the provision of masks, screens where possible, working side to side, increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning and small consistent teams of staff. Breaks have been staggered.
5. Government guidance on Retail
We will uphold all Government guidelines on retail environments where appropriate in our trade counter and tech shop environment, including only using click and collect when advised and ensuring all customers wear facemasks and using social distancing/screens wherever needed.
6. Self Isolating
We will not knowingly require or encourage somebody who is self isolating to come to work. We will follow Government rulings on SSP. Any employee who has symptoms of COVID19 should self isolate for 10 days from when the symptoms started or if testing positive for the virus for 10 days from the date of the test. We will follow current guidance for those who live with others who have symptoms or have been contacted by Track and Trace.
7. Coming to and leaving work
We provide car parking and bike facilities to allow people to get to work not using public transport. It does not use minibuses. We will provide sanitation points at entrances/exit points. We have staggered shift times to minimise congestion.
8. Moving around buildings
We have introduced one-way traffic via markings on the floor to help with social distancing and arrows and give way signs are in place. Employees have been instructed how to move safely around the warehouse. Foot openers for doors have been installed where appropriate.
9. Workplaces and workstations
Workstations have been moved where possible to ensure more than 2m distance and working side by side rather than face to face. On any workstation we cannot move a perspex screen will be/has been erected. Workstations are cleaned regularly and additional cleaning materials and sanitisers are available. CCL will use consistent pairings where appropriate.
10. Meetings
Meetings will be kept to a minimum and social distancing respected. Hand sanitiser is available.
11. Common areas
Risk will be minimised to employees as far as possible by changes including the provision of an additional canteen area to minimise numbers. Also a dishwasher will be installed to minimise crowding at sink, paper towels to dry hands, foot openers to toilet doors and posters reminding staff of risks. Breaks are staggered. Posters around the building will remind employees of the risks of COVID-19.
12. Visitors
Supplier meetings will take place via zoom or telephone as much as possible. Essential contractor visits only.
13. Guidance
Inbound delivery signage and any visitors to be met by appropriate staff - sanitisers provided.
14. Keeping the workplace clean
Cleaning to be undertaken by cleaning staff every day. Mobile sanitation stations are provided on each floor with cleaning equipment, sanitiser, disinfectant spray and wipes and disposal point on both floors. If a known case of Covid-19 occurs then specific guidance will be followed.
15. Hygiene
Signs and posters to build awareness of good hygiene and the need to cough or sneeze into a tissue which is then binned or elbow if a tissue is not available. Handwashing facilities on each floor. Hand sanitiser is in multiple locations. Paper towels or electrical dryers for handwashing and foot openers have been provided for toilet doors.
16. Handling goods and merchandise
Delivery drivers will be asked to comply with our guidelines via signage on arrival. Returns from customers will be quarantined for three days. Handwashing and use of sanitisers and/or disinfectant sprays/wipes encouraged.
17. Communications and training
As CCL is a small company, all changes in working arrangements will be collaborative using email and phones where possible.
18. Inbound and outbound goods
We have provided appropriate signage at the entrance to make sure delivery drivers follow our guidance. A small team of the workforce load and unload vehicles. Cleaning and sanitisation is provided, on a movable trolley with sanitiser, wipes, spray and paper roll in a wipeable dispenser.
19. Office staff
Many staff are working from home. Managers will keep in touch and make sure they are coping. If staff do come in, the above will apply and workstations will be far enough apart or perspex screens installed to enable social distancing. Perspex screens have been fitted to allow flexibility if staff work in the office.
The health and wellbeing of our employees and customers is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to review this document to make sure it keeps up with the latest thinking.