LRD guides and handbook February 2021

Working safely with COVID-19 - a guide for workplace reps

Chapter 7

Other administrative controls

[ch 7: page 39]

Unite provides further examples of administrative controls — or systems of work and procedures — in its Risk assessment and procedures COVID-19 guide. It says these should be applied collectively, together with engineering controls when needed, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provision when the assessment advises this. They include reducing time spent performing an activity, workforce planning (such as pairing or buddying workers to compartmentalise potential infection within work teams) and cleaning and hygiene. (https://unitetheunion.org/media/3207/009-riskassessments-2020-07-13-v05e.pdf)

Deep cleaning of workplaces

Unions have demanded deep cleans of workplaces following COVID-19 cases among workers. For example, BT increased deep cleaning and homeworking provision at its Doncaster call centre when, in October 2020, members of the Prospect professionals’ union raised concerns about a high number of COVID-19 cases. (Fortunately, those testing positive only experienced mild symptoms.)

The union says its BT members have stepped up to volunteer to review risk assessments, push for improvements, and help improve the working environment for colleagues during the pandemic.