Posted on: 17 August 2020
100% of CNWL staff in the ‘at risk groups’ for Covid-19 (over 4,000 staff) have been risk assessed and mitigations made where necessary.
98.3% of BAME staff have done so and overall 92.1% of all staff (so far).
The assessment helps staff identify what they consider to be risks of exposure to Covid at work, at home and outside, and identifies control measures to reduce these risks.
They address vulnerability like a serious underlying health issue but also other risk factors: age, ethnicity, gender and weight. Confidence and competence about the use of PPE was also confirmed.
CNWL Occupational Health reviewed all of the assessments.
Staff fed back how helpful they found the activity:
"Since completing my COVID risk assessment I have received some fantastic support from the Staying Well at Work service and further support from my line manager. I have now moved out of my redeployed role back to working on planning my service recovery. I’m feeling so much better thanks. The risk assessment definitely helped to clearly structure the issues I was experiencing and helped me to resolve them. My work pressures have reduced significantly enabling me to manage pressures at home better and I thankfully I haven’t needed any sick leave.”
A staff member who had been shielding said:
“Yes I have the read the shielding guidelines. I have not talked to my GP nor my Oncologist. Even though I have been shielding I stopped active treatment two years ago so didn't think it might be necessary. I do feel anxious about going back to work but at the same time excited. I have a meeting with my manager on Monday. At the moment we have a rota where we are in the office for one week and then you work from home for two weeks. If this will continue I think it’s a good plan. For me the most important is social distancing and using PPE.”
Another said:
“Thank you for your support and advice. As a result I now know what needs to be done, so thank you; the advice given is an immense help and will help when making contact with my Manager.”
The Assessment was self-completed so staff could express any concerns. Managers were encouraged to have supportive conversations and agree the necessary measures to reduce risk for that person. Those who wished to keep their underlying health issues confidential could directly request support from Occupational Health.
These risk assessments will be reviewed if PHE advice changes or something changes for a person.
Charlotte Bailey, CNWL’s Executive Director for People, said, “Staff have been fantastic – really dedicated at times when they have been worried or anxious, and on occasions frightened.”
“This Risk Assessment process was all about taking time for staff to think about risks they face at work, but also for their families, especially where someone was vulnerable or had an underlying health condition.”
“We were totally opposed to just reaching a target – so there have been thousands of supportive discussions about risks, and our Occupational Health Department have read every one of the completed forms; thanks to them!”
“This is all about staying safe whilst delivering vital services.”
