Updated 17 August 2020
The health and safety of our species has never been more important than it is now, and whilst some of my clients have suspended or significantly reduced activity, others are continuing, and I have been helping them wherever possible.
I have always been based from home, so have not had to set up a new home office like many. I have helped several clients with homeworker risk assessments. The home is the new workplace, and employers need to ensure a safe workplace. Every home is different, but we don’t want people sat on the end of their bed using a dressing table as a desk (which I have seen).
Whilst a full proper desk set up may not always be possible, I have been helping people ensure that their set up is as good as it can be. I even did a video on my website of some basic exercises you can do at your home office desk (https://www.kshsafety.com/post/home-office-exercises).
I am continuing to help clients update their policies and procedures, and have even done a health and safety inspection via Zoom, where a client walked around his premises with his phone. I have helped several with Coronavirus specific risk assessments, particularly where those clients provide essential emergency repair services in people's homes.
I have set up a Coronavirus web page (https://www.kshsafety.com/coronavirus), which as well as providing links to official guidance, also includes other resources for those still working or those staying safe at home. I am also prevalent on Social Media ( LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter ), promoting ideas, positivity and support.
I can now deliver face to face training via Zoom, and am doing face to face training again where facilities allow. I also continue to have almost 100 e-learning courses available (https://www.kshsafety/com/online).
I recently assisted one client to achieve CHAS (Contractor Health and Safety Scheme) status, which was completed after the stay at home measures were introduced.
So while many businesses have been in a down period, for me, to a certain extent it’s been business as usual, with adaptions. Now that businesses are reopening, they will need to think about their employees
As people have got used to being at home, it will be a culture shock to many, a bit like when a long term sick person returns to work. Maybe some form of gradual or phased return will work best. Or maybe many businesses will realise that home working continues to have benefits. Whatever happens going forward, I don’t think business will return to the same normal we had.
A new normal will happen.
Health and safety is in the forefront of people’s minds, and hopefully this will continue with a more proactive outlook for health and safety in business in this new normal.
It is people like me and other health and safety professionals that need to take the lead in promoting this proactive approach to businesses moving forwards.
Updated 17 August 2020, 15:20 BST
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novel COVID-19 Coronavirus and KSH Safety Services
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At KSH Safety Services, I am committed to providing my partners and customers with the best health and safety consultancy and training support possible.
Given the ever-changing situation surrounding COVID-19, I want to reassure you that throughout this current crisis, I will do my utmost to continue to provide the services I give to my clients in the safest way possible.
During client visits, time on site may be reduced to essential working only, especially if space is at a premium, and I would want to see what precautions the client has in place upon arrival. I will wear appropriate face coverings, and visors if required by the client, site manager, or the law, and will carry and use hand sanitiser, tissues and disinfectant wipes. I will limit contact with furniture and fixtures as much as possible, and will keep a suitable distance from all personnel. I will also provide my own pen and paper, and my own drinks and food. I reserve the right to withdraw from the premises if I feel it is unsafe for me to remain on site.
For reassurance, I generally work alone, and nobody in my household has displayed any symptoms or had any illness. Should this change, I will withdraw from visiting businesses and self-isolate as per Government guidelines. Should there be any local lockdown, either where I live or where the client is located, I will revert to working remotely if the rules require it.
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As businesses are now returning to operation, demand for my services is very high. I will help you as soon as I possibly can do, and apologise if there is any delay.
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In this fast moving situation, any changes to service will be posted at https://www.kshsafety.com/coronavirus. I also have a large amount of useful up to date links and guidance on that page.
I am committed to providing my clients with the best support possible during this uncertain time.
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Please stay safe, be sensible, ensure you maintain a social distance from others, follow official advice, help each other, we will continue to get through this together.
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Thank you.
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K Heywood,
Owner and Founder,
KSH Safety Services
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