Covid-19 HSE Advice 2020

The HSE has issued new guidance and clarifies where incidents of coronavirus should be reported under RIDDOR, see the  information on the HSE website at – RIDDOR reporting of COVIS-19

An overview of the guidance from HSE states, ‘you must only make a report under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) when:

  • An unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence; or
  • a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This must be reported as a case of disease; or
  • a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to Coronavirus.

What to report  

Dangerous occurrences  – If something happens at work which results in (or could result in) the release or escape of coronavirus you must report this as a dangerous occurrence. An example of a dangerous occurrence would be a lab worker accidentally smashing a glass vial containing coronavirus, leading to people being exposed. 

Cases of disease – exposure to a biological agent – If there is reasonable evidence that someone diagnosed with COVID-19 was likely exposed because of their work, you must report this as an exposure to a biological agent using the case of disease report. An example of a work-related exposure to coronavirus would be a health care professional who is diagnosed with COVID-19 after treating patients with COVID-19.

Work related fatalities – If a worker dies as a result of exposure to coronavirus from their work and this is confirmed as the likely cause of death by a registered medical practitioner, then you must report this as a death due to exposure to a biological agent using the ‘case of disease’ report form. You must report workplace fatalities to HSE by the quickest practicable means without delay and send a report of that fatality within 10 days of the incident’.

In these difficult and unprecedented times all Government agencies are working hard to contain this pandemic and sometimes it difficult to keep pace with the ever-changing challenges.  In their statement, HSE said, ‘As prevalence of Coronavirus increases in the general population, it will be very difficult for employers to establish whether or not any infection in an individual was contracted as a result of their work.’  Therefore, employers should look to seek the advice and guidance of a medical professional if they are unsure and also consult any Occupational Health Service, they have access too.

Employer’s duty of care for all their employees and those who could be affected by their operations remains the same, see joint statement from HSE, TUC & CBI, therefore it is vital that the safety of these individuals should always be the first priority.

 

Related Posts

What our Clients Say

Hear it directly from our wonderful clients. We work in almost every sector in one form or another, providing compliance consultancy and employee training services.

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “Everybody needs a Dave and Mark in their life. Their approach is friendly and understanding whilst they hold us to account to help the organisation reach high standards. They do it in such a way that they are alongside you as compatriots who are here to help and that’s been really valuable.”

    Gloucester Cathedral

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “Our staff felt more confident within their roles following the interactive e learning they completed on Compliance Standard Group platform. We would highly recommend this E learning platform to others who are looking for online training for Health and safety related subjects such as Fire safety, COSHH, Environmental and Mental health, etc… We found the Compliance Standard Group to be very helpful and supportive, they gave clarity on subjects and  provided extra information when requested.”

    Brindley Place

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    I would highly recommend CSG to my fellow professionals within the cosmetics and wide medical industry who wish to attain CQC registration. Through their parent company CSG, Dave and Mark now provide continued support with Dermoperfection’s ongoing compliance, which has reduced my workload and improved our operations overall.”

    Dermoperfection

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “Emergency First Aid Course – That’s got to be one of the best, if not THE best, online training I have ever done.”

    Brad, CCP, Worcester

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “A very informative course designed to raise awareness on environmental waste. Very good use of graphics with clear navigational links and lots of user interactivity to enforce and apply new knowledge learned.”

    CPD Certification Service

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “Huge thank you, it was by the far the best, most engaging First Aid training I have ever done!! Dave was absolutely fantastic and covered so much in a short space of time but in a way that will really stick with us we all agreed.”

    A Parker | Soil Association

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “We chose Compliance Standard Group for their understanding of our unique operating environment. Dave always makes sure that our team are properly trained and feel confident in their roles and responsibilities, we would recommend him to others.”

    K Rumbelow | Giffords Circus

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    “CSG made the training fun and I know the staff enjoyed learning how to save lives”

    UCAS

Our clients range from global defence firms to local tradesmen and a spectacular regional circus.

Ask us anything

Get in touch now to ask a compliance question, arrange a compliance software demo or enquire about training solutions.