Updated COVID rules for England announced

On Wednesday 8th December 2021 the Prime Minister confirmed England will transition to a new set of guidelines (referred to as ‘Plan B’ by the Government) in response to the rapid spread of a variant of the Covid virus called ‘Omicron’.

Three new guidelines are as follows:

• From 10th December 2021, face coverings will be required by law in most outdoor settings
• From 13th December 2021 office workers who can work from home should do so
• From 15th December 2021 some venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.
  The effect of the new guidelines on the landscape industry will be limited; site-based operations (or indeed any business operation that cannot be carried out from home) can continue – but remain subject to COVID secure working.

Transition to home working

Businesses looking to help employees transition from office to home working are reminded they have the same responsibilities for people working from home as they do for any other worker.

Whilst risks to home workers are likely to be low, employers should nevertheless perform a risk assessment and reflect on how workers may carry out their job at home. Employers should consider:

• Any specific needs of workers, such as for a worker with a disability
• How managers will keep in touch with employees
• What work employees will be doing
• Whether this work can be done safely, and if not, what control measures can be put in place to protect them.

A common function of home working involves the use of computers and display screen equipment at a desk or table. Employers should consider issuing guidance on how to set-up display screen equipment for long-term comfort.

The Health and Safety Executive offers a range of free advice which can be downloaded directly from their website; click the links in the Further reading section of this article for more information.

Site-based working

Site-based workers may continue to travel to site and work within government guidelines - and according to the COVID-secure risk assessment written by their employer. Association members are reminded they must perform a COVID risk assessment which considers all aspects of their site-based worker activities, with the aim of minimising the risk from COVID to workers regardless of role.

The BALI website provides Association members with free, template documents which employers may use in conjunction with their own working guidance. See the ‘Further reading’ section of this newsletter for a link to the BALI website.

COVID guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Advice issued by governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has not changed this week, although existing guidance in these countries encourages home working and increased use of masks. There is no restriction to travelling throughout the UK for work purposes.

Further reading:

HSE Home Working Guidance
HSE Display Screen Equipment Assessment

BALI COVID guidance and downloads