Elimination: is the best form of control but right now there is no vaccine so there is little that can be done right now to mitigate against it.
Substitution: replacing the virus for something less harmful is not possible at this time and is also not applicable.
Engineering controls: involve isolating employees from work related hazards such as placing a physical barrier between the person and the hazard. For example placing plastic screens between people (e.g. cashier points in shops) will interrupt the flow of air from one person to another and therefore provide protection. Other engineering controls that may be considered is the use of ventilation and filtrations systems.
Administrative Controls: provide the best options for most organisations. The risk assessment must consider how you will keep your workplace and equipment clean, adjust working practices and ensure people are safe. Some additional considerations and questions include:
- Can you redesign the workplace to maintain social distancing?
- Can you reschedule or postpone meetings
- Can you utilize multiple rooms to spread employees out?
- Can some employees continue to work from home?
- Do you have places where staff/customers will find it difficult to avoid one another (e.g. security points, lifts, stairs, lobbies, canteens, toilets, resource rooms, hot desks)?
- Can you provide more hand washing or sterilisation facilities around the workplace?
- Have you noted the places where most people commonly touch?