The lunchtime rest period or tea break is normally seen as a social time for employees in the UK. Businesses are having to adapt in light of the Coronavirus epidemic, whilst still managing to provide that vital time for workers to take a well earned break from daily work duties and to recuperate in time for the tasks ahead.
Traditionally workers will see this time as a period where they can take time to socialise with colleagues and friends whilst enjoying their break period. Social distancing measures introduced as part of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 infection means that it is now far more difficult to operate staff canteens and restaurants without the risk of employees mixing too closely and breaking the critical 2 metre guidelines.
One international logistics giant put in place a great way of providing social distancing within their canteens. The purchase of single seating rather than the more often seen benches or canteen tables meant that employees could sit 2 metres apart but still in a social environment. The chairs have a single arm and a writing table that can accommodate food and reading matter at the same time. The chairs are placed within a designated floor marking tape area that allocates the 2m distance recommended between employees.
The Health and Safety Executive has some useful advice on the subject as do Public Health England who when used in combination will be able to provide employers with the first port of call to consider steps that will need implementing. In the first instance checks will be needed to ensure that your business is allowed to re-open. There are then 5 steps that need to be carefully considered for working safely:
1. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment.
2. Develop cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures.
3. Help people to work from home.
4. Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible.
5. Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk.
There are many ranges of Coronavirus protection products that will help companies to implement their plans and they can be used to isolate a particular situation needing attention or for building a synergy approach within a business.
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