Your guide for monitoring Health & Safety in the aftermath of COVID-19

Posted on: 9 June 2021

Many businesses have already needed to make numerous changes to the workplace as a result of COVID-19, including operating remotely. However, remote working isn’t an option for all industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and hospitality. These businesses are forced to continue competing in the marketplace whilst also needing to focus on protecting their employees from the spread of COVID-19. It is essential that these businesses maintain the basic safety measures such as 2m social distancing, extra cleaning, and sanitation. However, to monitor health and safety in the aftermath of COVID-19, businesses should update policies and put in place efficient safety measures to ensure employee safety on a larger scale. By reviewing their processes, businesses can make sure the finer details of the new workplace environment promote safety and limit the spread of COVID-19.

The need for technology

The use of digitisation has become key in working during the COVID-19 era. Technology has proved necessary in helping ensure those providing essential services are able to do so whilst keeping their workers safe through monitoring the spread of the disease.

The automation of routine tasks is essential in monitoring health and safety within the workplace.

One way of automating processes is by implementing digital platforms such as Obbi, into your business’ operating processes. These platforms will result in a paperless system that is not only cost-saving but will decrease the spread of COVID-19 through reduced cross-contamination among employees. Digital platforms also store all important records securely and together which means they are readily available to be shown to the likes of Health and Safety inspectors and authorities. Therefore, this keeps your organisation on the right path in terms of guaranteeing the health and safety of employees and production.

Although industries such as manufacturing need quite a number of employees working on-site, by using digital platforms, businesses can provide those employees who are able to work remotely with access to the information needed, on a secure platform that ensures data protection. This can also be used for employees who need to self-isolate.

Through integrating technology, organisations can also monitor physical distancing by employing alternatives to touch-based security keypad devices.

Alternatively, companies should introduce relatively inexpensive systems where employees use a card reader, thus minimising cross-contamination. An even better solution for businesses is to use a facial-recognition system that would require no touch.

Leadership should make sure that health and safety risks are managed and controlled and that the business is following a policy that guarantees compliance with health and safety standards. The policy should be up to date with the latest government legislation which can be found on websites such as gov.uk.

Finally, management need to consider all aspects of their employee health including their mental health. As the pandemic has uprooted the normal way of working, many changes can contribute to employee stress including the loss of workplace camaraderie. Therefore, health and safety policies should also include information on wellbeing.