What is Coronavirus COVID-19
COVID-19 is an illness that can affect the lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a global health emergency. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Protecting the health and well-being of our workers, their families and anyone affected by our work is our top priority and we have developed a proactive plan designed to minimise the impact of COVID-19 within our workplace.
The COVID-19 public health emergency guidance is constantly changing. Therefore, this policy and our management plans will be subject to change and ongoing reviews.
To maintain a healthy and safe workplace, all workers are requested to follow all the rules diligently. It is important that we all act responsibly and transparently to these health precautions.
Preventative Measures:
Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd acknowledges, we, and the hiring companies we work with, have a vital role to play by taking sensible action to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; such as ensuring that workers have access to appropriate hygiene facilities such as hot water, soap and bins to get rid of used tissues.
The risk of catching COVID-19 within the workplace remains low but there are certain things you, as the worker, can do to help prevent the risk of infection. Workers are advised to maintain good hygiene standards around the workplace by following the latest advice from the World Health Organisation’s website www.who.int which includes the following basic protective measures, and this is the guidance we shall give to our employees:
• Wash your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand sanitiser or wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Practice respiratory hygiene - Using the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
• If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact with your coworkers and take extra precautionary measures.
• Try to avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.
• Stay informed and follow the advice given by health care providers.
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) has advised that most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places, and that self-isolation is only to be undertaken if the individual is advised to do so by the 111 online coronavirus service or their place of work.
Reporting:
• If you have cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever (temperature above 37.5 °C), or feel poorly, advise Forte Recruitment & your line manager immediately and complete a COVID19 test.
• If you have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you are to inform Forte Recruitment & your manager immediately.
• If a family member has the symptoms of, or has COVID-19 you are requested to inform Forte Recruitment & your line manager immediately.
• If you or a family member that lives with you has a medical condition and are in the vulnerable group discuss this with Forte Recruitment & your line manager.
Each hiring company Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd works with has their own guidance and rules on COVID-19. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with these upon starting each new assignment.
If you require further information or calcification, please contact Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd on info@forte-recruitment.co.uk
Sources of further information:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ www.hse.gov.uk/news/coronavirus.htm
www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
www.World Health Organization (WHO)