Requirement to add COVID-19 to risk assessments ends for businesses in England
The legal requirement too add COVID-19 to risk assessments for businesses in England has ended.
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THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER UPDATED. THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED AS THE SITUATION CONTINUES TO CHANGE, SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE. ON 1 APRIL 2022, THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE REMOVED ALL REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO UNDERTAKE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLAND. AS A RESULT, THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED, BUT SOME LINKS MAY HAVE SINCE BECOME OBSOLETE. THE LINKS REMAIN AS AN ARCHIVE ONLY. CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/ AND HSE GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
Coronavirus advice and support
Last updated 5 April 2022 13.30 BST
We are an England based business, so most of the information on this page relates to England
For other UK and Ireland countries and states, visit these links:
Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
HSE no longer requires every business to consider COVID-19 in their risk assessment or to have specific measures in place. There is a requirement to protect those who will come into contact with the virus due to their work activity. There is advice for people who may be at higher risk such as those who are immunosuppressed. https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
COVID19 Latest
From 1 April 2022 in England, the Government has
● Removed the guidance on voluntary COVID-status certification in domestic settings and no longer recommends that certain venues use the NHS COVID Pass.
● Updated guidance setting out the ongoing steps that people with COVID-19 should take to minimise contact with other people. This will align with the changes to testing.
● No longer provides free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public in England.
● Consolidated guidance to the public and businesses, in line with public health advice.
● Removed the health and safety requirement for every employer to explicitly consider COVID-19 in their risk assessments.
● Replaced the ‘Working Safely’ guidance with new public health guidance.
NOTE THAT THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED AS THE SITUATION CONTINUES TO CHANGE, SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE.
ON 1 APRIL 2022, THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE REMOVED ALL REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO UNDERTAKE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLAND.
AS A RESULT THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED, BUT SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE. THE LINKS REMAIN AS AN ARCHIVE ONLY.
CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/ AND HSE GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE: The Government has removed all health and safety guidance for individual sectors from its Coronavirus website. There is now general public health advice available on the site at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the UK Health Protection Agency website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reducing-the-spread-of-respiratory-infections-including-covid-19-in-the-workplace.
COVID-19 IS STILL VERY PREVALENT AND THERE IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY THAT RESTRICTIONS WILL RETURN. EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE AN INFECTIOUS DISEASES POLICY AND RISK ASSESSMENT AND KSH SAFETY SERVICES RECOMMEND THAT YOUR COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT IS INCORPORATED INTO A MORE GENERAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE RISK ASSESSMENT.
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Official websites
Government
Archive of advice and information from verified sources:
Latest information NHS / UK Govt / WHO Trusted Media Industry Groups / Bodies Mental Health Support
How you can help KSH Safety Services Info KSH Safety Services Update Relevant e-learning Printable Resources
NHS / Official Government / WHO / PHE
Main HM Government Coronavirus website
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Book a COVID-19 test here
https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name
Current Lockdown Rules for England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
HM Government COVID-19 Winter Plan
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-winter-plan
Create an NHS Test and Trace QR Code here
https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
NHS Test and Trace - how it works
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace:
Government guidance on working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
...From 19 July 2021: https://www.kshsafety.com/single-post/covid-19-what-can-businesses-expect
...Those who work in close contact services such as hair salons: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/close-contact-services
...Performing Arts: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
...Providers of grass root sport and gym and leisure facilities: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/providers-of-grassroots-sport-and-gym-leisure-facilities
...Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/restaurants-offering-takeaway-or-delivery
...The Visitor Economy: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/the-visitor-economy
...Hotels and guest accommodation: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation
...Construction and Outdoor Workers: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work
...Factories, plants and warehouses: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/factories-plants-and-warehouses
...Working in People’s Homes: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes
...Laboratories and research facilities: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/labs-and-research-facilities
...Offices and Contact Centres: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres
...Shops and branches: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches
...Workers in vehicles: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles
...Heritage locations: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/heritage-locations
...Guidance in other sectors: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
gov.uk Online step by step basic COVID-19 risk assessment tool kit:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-reopening
Health and Safety Executive guide to writing a COVID-19 risk assessment:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/risk-assessment.pdf
Staying safe outside your home:
Government advice for pet owners in England released after cat tests positive for COVID-19: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
NHS Coronavirus latest advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS information for health professionals:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/
Government advice on how you can help others safely
Coronavirus Act 2020 current status
Latest HM Government advice on Coronavirus COVID-19 in general, for travellers and for businesses:
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Health and Safety Executive guidance on ensuring social distancing in the workplace:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/social-distancing/index.htm
Business support available to businesses
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/
Latest Government information for business who must close, and who can remain open
Government stay at home advice for those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 Coronavirus:
Information Commissioners Office Guide to Contact Tracing
Information on the NHS 111 helpline and when to use it / when not to use it:
Get an Isolation Note for your employer
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Public Health England:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
HMRC Coronavirus helpline for the self-employed and small businesses
The Coronavirus helpline : 0300 456 3565
Government advice on travelling safely during the Coronavirus pandemic:
The emergency legislation covering the enforcement of restrictions relating to COVID-19:
... The Coronavirus Act 2020
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/7/contents/enacted/data.htm
...The full list of Coronavirus legislation for the UK
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/coronavirus
How to safely help friends and family who are in isolation
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely--2
Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice on travel:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office
Guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the rented housing sector
World Health Organization COVID-19 latest:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Health and Safety Executive Coronavirus website
https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/coronavirus.htm
Government advice on support for mental health during the outbreak
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-advice-to-support-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Government crackdown on fake news relating to Coronavirus
Note: KSH Safety Services will only link to Government or verified advice on Coronavirus. We will never advise differently.
Letter from the Prime Minister 29 March 2020
https://www.government-online.net/prime-ministers-letter-to-the-nation-on-the-coronavirus/
Guidance for consumers on buying food during the COVID-19 crisis
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-consumers-on-coronavirus-covid-19-and-food
HSE Guidance for manufacturers and suppliers of hand sanitiser and disinfectant
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/hand-sanitiser/index.htm
Public Health England Guidance for first responders including First Aiders
WHO Guidance on face masks and coverings
Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable persons from COVID-19
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work guidance on teleworking and maintaining good health
NAPO Stop the Pandemic videos (EU_OSHA)
Latest information NHS / UK Govt / WHO Trusted Media Industry Groups / Bodies Mental Health Support
How you can help KSH Safety Services Info KSH Safety Services Update Relevant e-learning Printable Resources
BBC and other trusted media
Due to the poor quality of some journalism in the UK, in particular the National printed press who seem to be sensationalising an international tragedy to get a story, no links to those publications will appear here. The links below are from verified sources.
BBC Coronavirus website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cyz0z8w0ydwt/coronavirus-pandemic
Coronavirus statistics
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
BBC Future COVID-19 Blog - many useful articles
https://www.bbc.com/future/tags/covid-19
Trusted media
ON 1 APRIL 2022, THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE REMOVED ALL REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO UNDERTAKE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLAND. AS A RESULT THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED, BUT SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE. THE LINKS REMAIN AS AN ARCHIVE ONLY.
CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/ AND HSE GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
Latest information NHS / UK Govt / WHO Trusted Media Industry Groups / Bodies Mental Health Support
How you can help KSH Safety Services Info KSH Safety Services Update Relevant e-learning Printable Resources
Industry groups and bodies
Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors Guide to working safely and staying healthy whilst home working
Citizens Advice Bureau advice for people worried or anxious about returning to work
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/coronavirus-if-youre-worried-about-working/
International Labour Organisation: In the face of the pandemic - ensuring safety and health at work
International Labour Organisation: Prevention and Mitigation of COVID-19 at Work - Action Checklist
Resuscitation Council UK Statement on COVID-19 in relation to CPR and resuscitation in first aid and community settings
Construction Leadership Council COVID-19 Safe Operating Procedures and other useful information for the construction sector
Ladder Association guidance on using ladders during the COVID-19 pandemic
https://ladderassociation.org.uk/keeping-ladder-users-safe-during-covid-19-outbreak/
British Safety Council resources for employers and employees:
https://www.britsafe.org/about-us/coronavirus-resource-database/
St Helens Chamber Coronavirus advice for businesses
https://www.sthelenschamber.com/business/coronavirus
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Coronavirus Guidance for businesses
https://www.iosh.com/resources-and-research/our-resources/communicable-diseases/coronavirus/
IOSH Coronavirus webinars
IOSH Home office, mobile office - Managing Remote Working
CIEH guidance for takeaways and food delivery
https://www.cieh.org/media/4070/covid-19-food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance.pdf?version=2
CIPD Coronavirus Resource Materials
https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/coronavirus/support-materials
Greater Manchester Hazards Centre guide to working safely at home
https://gmhazards.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Working-with-a-computer-at-home-.pdf
Scaffolding Association advice for scaffolders on COVID-19
https://scaffolding-association.org/covid-19-advice/
Industry Groups
ON 1 APRIL 2022, THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE REMOVED ALL REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO UNDERTAKE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLAND. AS A RESULT THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED, BUT SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE. THE LINKS REMAIN AS AN ARCHIVE ONLY.
CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/ AND HSE GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
Latest information NHS / UK Govt / WHO Trusted Media Industry Groups / Bodies Mental Health Support
How you can help KSH Safety Services Info KSH Safety Services Update Relevant e-learning Printable Resources
Mental Health and Grief Support
Samaritans
Telephone 116 123
Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-useful-contacts/
Telephone 0300 123 3393
Cruse Bereavement
https://www.cruse.org.uk/about-cruse/contact-us
Telephone 0808 808 1677
Papyrus Suicide Prevention in Young People
Telephone 0800 068 4141
National Domestic Abuse helpline
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Telephone 0808 2000 247
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Telephone 0207 186 8270
Respect - Men's advice line
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/contact-us/
Telephone 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri)
Victim Support
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Telephone 0808 168 9111
NHS North West Boroughs Healthcare Foundation Trust 24/7 mental health crisis line for people of all ages in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington:
Call 01925 275 309 anytime.
BUPA Guide to Bereavement for Managers (covering COVID deaths)
Mental health advice for the self-employed (FSB / Mental Health at Work)
Winter lockdown and mental health
https://www.kshsafety.com/single-post/winter-lockdown-mental-health
Mental Health
ON 1 APRIL 2022, THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE REMOVED ALL REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO UNDERTAKE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLAND. AS A RESULT THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED, BUT SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE. THE LINKS REMAIN AS AN ARCHIVE ONLY.
CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/ AND HSE GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
Latest information NHS / UK Govt / WHO Trusted Media Industry Groups / Bodies Mental Health Support
How you can help KSH Safety Services Info KSH Safety Services Update Relevant e-learning Printable Resources
Things you can help with
How to stay active while at home (Sport England):
https://www.sportengland.org/news/how-stay-active-while-youre-home
3D Printer design templates for masks, face shields etc. If you have a HP 3D printer, please help the NHS with this urgently.
https://enable.hp.com/us-en-3dprint-COVID-19-containment-applications
Help slow the spread of COVID19 and identify at risk cases sooner by self-reporting your symptoms daily, even if you feel well. Download the app
https://covid.joinzoe.com/
You Can Help
KSH Information
ON 1 APRIL 2022, THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE REMOVED ALL REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO UNDERTAKE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLAND. AS A RESULT THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE ADDED, BUT SOME LINKS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE. THE LINKS REMAIN AS AN ARCHIVE ONLY.
CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/ AND HSE GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
Latest information NHS / UK Govt / WHO Trusted Media Industry Groups / Bodies Mental Health Support
How you can help KSH Safety Services Info KSH Safety Services Update Relevant e-learning Printable Resources
KSH Safety Services information:
Infection Control e-learning course:
https://videotilehost.com/kshsafety/purchaseCourse.php?nid=47
Boost your skills when self isolating / social distancing at home:
https://www.kshsafety.com/online
