Is Your Workplace Ready for Reopening? A Practical Guide to Covid Safety
As offices begin to welcome staff back, business owners, landlords, and facilities managers face a crucial question: are your buildings covid safe?
Since 1st August, employers have been given more flexibility in deciding how their teams can work safely. While some businesses may continue with remote working, others are preparing for a return to the workplace. Regardless of your path, ensuring covid safety in your buildings is non-negotiable.
Understanding Covid-Safe Guidelines
Before staff return, every employer must take responsibility for creating a covid-safe environment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidance on ‘Working safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak’, yet there’s no universal solution. Each workplace is unique, which means it’s down to you to carry out thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate measures.
To maintain high standards of covid safety, consider the following key areas:
Social Distancing in the Office
Maintaining distance between employees and visitors remains vital. Ideally, individuals should stay two metres apart. Where this isn’t feasible, a minimum of one metre with suitable risk mitigation is acceptable.
Adjusting your furniture layout and using clear signage will be essential. Office screens, desk guards, and partitioning solutions—like those available from X2 Furniture—can help maintain separation without disrupting workflow.
Need design inspiration? Download X2 Furniture’s Post-Covid Office Design Brochure for layout ideas that support covid safety while preserving productivity.
The Importance of Signage
Signage plays a pivotal role in guiding safe behaviour and must form part of every covid risk assessment. Floor decals, posters, pull-up banners, and counter-top signs all support employee and visitor awareness.
Printmonster can fulfil all your print needs—from hygiene reminders to directional signage—ensuring your workplace stays safe and professional. Request a print quote today.
Cleaning and Hygiene Measures
Robust cleaning protocols are critical. Handwashing facilities must be well-maintained and clearly marked. Regular access to hand sanitiser is equally important, with stations placed in high-traffic areas.
Looking for signage to support hygiene efforts? Printmonster offers a full range of print solutions to remind staff of handwashing techniques and sanitisation practices.
Cleaning and Hygiene Measures
Robust cleaning protocols are critical. Handwashing facilities must be well-maintained and clearly marked. Regular access to hand sanitiser is equally important, with stations placed in high-traffic areas.
Looking for signage to support hygiene efforts? Printmonster offers a full range of print solutions to remind staff of handwashing techniques and sanitisation practices.
Surface Sanitisation Solutions
X2 Furniture has partnered with Hi-Kleen to offer advanced surface sanitiser canisters. Tested to BS EN 1276, Hi-Kleen kills bacteria and viruses—including enveloped viruses like coronavirus—for up to five hours with a single application.
This non-alcohol, skin-safe solution is perfect for offices, care homes, vehicles, and hospitality venues. For a cleaner, safer environment, Hi-Kleen is an ideal addition to your covid prevention strategy.
Antimicrobial Door Pads
To further reduce contact transmission, antimicrobial door pads offer an effective solution. Infused with silver technology, these pads inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses, including coronavirus. Easily applied to push doors, they offer long-lasting protection where it’s needed most.
Face Coverings at Work
Currently, face coverings are mandatory in public indoor spaces such as shops, banks, public transport, and museums. However, wearing masks in offices is not compulsory. That said, if employees choose to wear them, their decision should be fully supported as part of your workplace’s covid safety culture.
Addressing Building Safety Post-Lockdown
Many buildings have remained empty or underused for months, which presents additional health risks. Before reopening, landlords and facilities managers should address the following:
Legionella Risks
Stagnant water systems may harbour bacteria like Legionella. Before resuming operations, flush water systems and assess air ventilation units. Visit the HSE website for guidance.
Pressure Systems
If pressure systems (e.g., steam boilers, compressors, lifts) have been idle, they must be safely restarted. For complete safety protocols, refer to HSE’s equipment restart guide.
Supporting Employee Wellbeing
Beyond physical safety, don’t overlook mental health. After months away, many staff may feel anxious about returning. Open communication is key—keep staff informed, involve them in safety discussions, and listen to their concerns.