Covid risk assessments – keeping them simple & effective

19 August 2020 Russ Dyble 606 Views

Thank you to those who have submitted risk assessments, the local team of reviewers have been through them and to help others have come up with a list of key considerations we are looking for in each risk assessment to be submitted.

The key message is to keep it simple – a small number of effective steps which can realistically be followed. In particular we will be looking for the following:

How will you share “highlight” actionable bullet points with parents / leaders (please make the full risk assessment available – but most people won’t take the time to read a full risk assessment document).
Cleaning – what is expected prior to each session – probably anti-viral wipes on main touch points
Handwashing – on arrival as a minimum
Nominated first aider willing to undertake close contact work if required & first aid PPE supplies
Briefing on social distancing at the beginning of each session
How attendance will be recorded to assist track & trace
Equipment – bring from home where possible/limit sharing (bring own drinks bottles, don’t provide drinks as normal)
Don’t be too specific – e.g. “implement a clearly sign-posted one-way system” – rather than describing the one way system, which may have to change in certain circumstances (e.g. heavy rain and outside the front door is a huge puddle but the side door is still accessible – you will adjust the signage rather than expect people to continue to use the flooded front door)
Provision for those who can’t/won’t participate in face-to-face activities
Template
- we recommend using the HQ template (but if not, it must include the headings: “hazard/risk”, “who is at risk” and “control measures”)
- use bullet points and keep sentenances short to improve readability
Review – based on feedback and/or at each group exec meeting as a minimum (no need to re-submit for approval unless you consider it a significant change)