Health and Safety
A carefree life is a distant memory, and life, as we know it, has changed. But some things will never change and no I don’t mean the rubbish coffee in the office, I’m talking about health and safety.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but the pandemic has at least taught us all one thing, and that’s about the importance of keeping healthy and safe. So, like it or not, it’s here to stay.
As things slowly get back to normal, and we’re all considering heading back into the office after what felt like two years…oh wait, it has been!
Of course, there will be many hurdles along the way, like swapping comfy loungewear for suits and swapping fluffy socks for sensible shoes will be an adjustment for sure.
But although you’ll no longer be able to mute some people over zoom (come on, admit it, we’ve all done it), we will all finally sigh a huge relief that we can be at work safe.
Normality resumes
I know one thing that most people will never even consider is health and safety, but it’s about more than just ticking that box. There’s so much to consider. But one thing is for certain we have more focus now on keeping well, and it’s what keeps us safe when we are at work.
With many employees returning to the workplace, that means Covid-19 Risk Assessments will need updating to reflect any changes to legislation or guidance.
Many employers will happily now offer hybrid working, but it’s all the other issue that results from this that may not have been even considered.
Have you or your employer considered the following:
- Hybrid working
- Workplace safety
- Legionella
- Risk assessments
- Ventilation
Water safety
Water is an integral part of our buildings, so good water hygiene and legionella management are essential aspects of compliance.
The growth of bacteria in water systems is common, and legionella bacteria can proliferate in the built environment under specific conditions. Ligtas are a member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA) with highly qualified and experienced water safety consultants.
If a building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use. This increases the risks of Legionnaires’ disease. Therefore, a risk assessment should be reviewed, and legionella risks managed:
- When a water system is reinstated or started up again
- When some types of air conditioning units are restarted
If the water system is still used regularly, the advice is to maintain the appropriate measures to prevent legionella growth.
Our experienced and competent staff, who are members of the Water Management Society, can assist in achieving full legislative compliance, which can be tailored to your needs.
Ventilation
But let’s not forget about ventilation, more than just opening the window and throwing on a coat. Good ventilation can help limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially in enclosed spaces.
Ligtas has a range of health and safety specialists that can visit your premises and work through a range of measures and controls that will support your business/premises in becoming COVID Secure.
The service consists of a coronavirus return to work assessment is to identify additional hazards that coronavirus introduces into the workplace and identify the steps needed to control the risks in line with current Government guidelines.
The assessment is not likely to cover all scenarios, and each employer should consider their own unique circumstances. But it will allow you to focus on your business goals, knowing we do more than just tick a box.
We keep people safe
So at least when you or your employees start back, you can just worry about the simple things in life, like whose turn it is to fetch in the biscuits.
Wow, what two weeks it was to flatten the curve…I mean, how is it now 2022?
Contact our team to discuss on 02922 800 000 or enquiries@ligtas.co.uk