Covid risk assessments – keeping them simple & effective
Hi
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)
I hope that helps – if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Those who have submitted risk assessments already will receive feedback over the new few days.
Russ