Not usually. An area that has caused difficulty is to define what is meant by “severe asthma”. The Faculty of Occupational Medicine advises:
Not specifically as a result of having an impairment that meets the disability provisions of the Act. An employee may have a condition causing an impairment, and not be at an increased risk, whereas others who do not have a disability may still be at increased risk (e.g. those who are pregnant, and people over 70 without a disability).
Only if a person has a condition, as defined in the Government’s guidance, that makes them extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 should they be shielded (for 12 weeks at least).
We have spoken with a small number of people who are not in the extremely vulnerable group, as defined by the Government, but are worried about coming into work, either due to their own health, or because they live with someone who is vulnerable. Whereas Government guidance is that employees should work from home wherever possible, for many of clients this is not feasible for most of their employees.What do we do for an employee who is not in the “extremely vulnerable” group, but is worried about being in work?
ACAS provide guidance for employers at: https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus . ACAS also advise at: https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/vulnerable-people-and-high-risk that employers must be especially careful and take extra steps for anyone in their workforce who is in a vulnerable group. We should be happy to advise on an individual’s vulnerability.
The Government has also published guidance for unpaid carers (usually family members): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family
Yes, she may, if she is less than 28 weeks, and has no underlying health condition, has been given the option of not working in a patient facing role, and has chosen to do so. Risk is considered low to mother and baby, as stated in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG guidance at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/coronavirus-pregnancy.
The Government however recommend at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/occupational-health-and-staff-deployment that they should not be employed in areas used for care of those who have, or are clinically suspected of having, COVID-19; or, in primary care, in clinics set up to manage people with COVID-19 symptoms
No, if they are more than 28 weeks, when evidence suggests there may be a greater risk to the mother. RCOG advise home working from 28 weeks as the first preference, or a non-patient facing role where home working is not feasible.
This guidance will inform risk assessment for healthcare (and other) workers, it is for the employer to decide based on risk assessment as informed by RCOG guidance at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/2020-03-26-covid19-occupational-health.pdf.
Use of PPE is a control measure determined by risk assessment and identifying risk mitigation measures in accordance with the usual hierarchy of controls. Social distancing is higher in this hierarchy than PPE, but for some workers PPE will be needed to control risk.
The Government have published a “one stop shop” personal protective equipment (PPE) hub at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe
In this guidance PPE is advised for health and social care settings. The risk is highest for health and social care workers, as they are more exposed to COVID-19; especially those undertaking aerosols generating procedures, and/or those looking after those known or suspected to have COVID-19. For other workers and sectors, the Government advise there is very little scientific evidence of widespread benefit from PPE. Employers are advised to:
The Government provides guidance on the principles of social distancing in the workplace at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19, and provides sector specific examples at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance
No, not necessarily, unless they are extremely vulnerable. The Government provides guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-residential-educational-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-residential-educational-settings
For staff with an nderlying health condition, settings should make a risk assessment based on their personal circumstances and the roles they play within the setting. Many will be able to work normally, while being particularly careful to follow social distancing measures. If someone in the setting is showing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), staff with an underlying health condition should be redeployed to work in roles which mean that they are not in contact with potential coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Staff whose health makes them extremely vulnerable should follow shielding guidance.
Government guidance for employers and businesses at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19
ACAS guidance on taking time off work for dependants at: https://www.acas.org.uk/absence-from-work#dependants
Further information regarding the Equality Act 2010 can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010
Royal College of Obstetricians Guidance on COVID-19 and pregnancy at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/2020-03-26-covid19-occupational-health.pdf
Guidance for GPs, employers, hospital doctors and occupational health practitioners on using fit notes (statements of fitness for work) at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fit-note
Fit note: guidance for employers and line managers at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fit-note-guidance-for-employers-and-line-managers
Employers guide to assessing fitness to work, including asking for medical evidence at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statutory-sick-pay-employee-fitness-to-work
This document is the combination of a number of different sources of information regarding COVID-19 and returning to work. Someof the content is from the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and Society of Occupaitonal Medicine which is updated regularly in regards to changing Government strategy and advice; as well as our lead OH physician and Senior Occupational Health advisor. We are grateful to the Occupational Health physicians and advisors/nurses who have contributed to this work.