EU-OSHA, the EU agency which provides information on health and safety, has issued guidelines aimed at protecting workers when they return to the workplace. The move comes as countries begin to ease restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guide includes advice on how to minimise exposure to coronavirus, how firms can update their risk assessments, and how to take care of workers who have been ill.

Practical advice

European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said the report would help employers and businesses in managing the return to work and provide practical advice to staff.

The agency says firms should first carry out a risk assessment on COVID-19, with the involvement of workers and their representatives.

It suggests a number of measures aimed at minimising those risks, including carrying out only essential work, delivering services remotely where possible and reducing physical contact between workers as much as possible. The agency also suggests eliminating or reducing physical contact with customers.

Soap and water

It urges firms to supply soap and water or appropriate hand sanitiser at convenient places, and workers to wash their hands frequently. The guidelines say businesses should clean their premises frequently, especially surfaces that people touch often.

The agency also warns that people who have become seriously ill through contracting COVID-19 may require special consideration even after being declared fit for work, and may need their work to be adapted to their condition.