A viral outbreak such as coronavirus is something we may not have considered or anticipated happening.

ISO 45001 concentrates on safeguarding the health and safety of your employees and your duty of care. More importantly, as we adapt to meet the changing working environment a key focus of the occupational health and safety management system (OH&S) should focus upon wellness and wellbeing.

ISO 45001 specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety management system. Here are some ways which you could use your OH&S management system to protect the health and safety of your employees during a viral outbreak:

1. Assess the risk that a viral outbreak poses to your organisation and its supply chain. Then plan actions to address it.
2. Review your organisation’s process, policies, and procedures. Make sure you’re prepared to respond to potential emergency situations to ensure that it covers viral outbreaks.
3. Develop a strategy to ensure home workers or staff on furlough still have regular interaction. Support them with their wellness and wellbeing.
4. Communicate and educate employees on how the outbreak of a virus or other infectious diseases can spread. You may need to schedule mandatory training. Such training outlines everybody’s responsibilities, in particular First Aiders who should be made aware of the initial response.
5. Identify any at-risk employees, for example, those with underlying conditions or a weakened immune system. Ensure suitable procedures are put in place to ensure their safety.
6. Keep up to date on the latest news regarding any viral outbreaks to make sure your organisation can continue to monitor risk.

A viral outbreak such as coronavirus can present a risk to the day-to-day running of your organisation. Compliant FM are here to support you to update your processes and procedures. Most importantly, ensuring your occupational health and safety management system meets your employee’s requirements.