The COVID-19 pandemic made infectious disease a workplace safety issue for every sector. Employers must assess the risk, apply controls and keep the workforce informed. The same approach — based on the hierarchy of controls — works for other respiratory infections too.
1. Assess the risk
Identify tasks involving close contact, shared spaces and shared equipment. Consider vulnerable workers and the local public-health guidance, which can change quickly.
2. Eliminate and substitute
- Enable remote work where possible.
- Stagger shifts and breaks to reduce crowding.
- Switch meetings to online and limit non-essential visitors.
3. Engineering controls
- Physical distancing marks and floor layouts.
- Transparent barriers at reception and service counters.
- Ventilation: increase fresh air, open windows when practical and maintain systems.
- Touch-free dispensers and doors where available.
4. Administrative controls
- Clear rules for staying home when unwell and for reporting symptoms.
- Regular hand-washing — at least twenty seconds with soap — or alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as handles, switches and shared tools.
- Limits on room occupancy and the use of lifts and canteens.
- Training and signage in the languages workers use.
5. PPE and face coverings
Face masks and other PPE supplement — never replace — the controls above. Provide training on putting on, removing and disposing of them safely.
6. Communicate and support
Keep workers informed, consult their representatives and support mental wellbeing during uncertain times.
7. Review
Revisit the risk assessment as guidance and infection levels change.
Key takeaway: Layer your controls, keep them practical, and communicate often.
Frequently asked questions
Is cleaning alone enough?
No. Ventilation, distancing and staying home when unwell are equally important.