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These are difficult and challenging times particularly for those of our members who are the on frontline of fighting this infection.

It is also a challenging time for UNISON's safety reps who play such a vital role in keeping workers safe.

As a safety rep you are in a unique position to help and support members.

Sometimes, this can involve simply being there, listening and talking to members, sometimes explaining what is being done to keep them safe, sometimes simply explaining the facts as you know it, which in itself can help allay fears.

Your rights as a safety rep also gives you the opportunity to engage with employers in a spirit of partnership to make sure the concerns of our members are supported and listened to.

Here are just a few examples of the things you can do.

Representing members to the employer

This could include issues such as ensuring those with underlying health conditions have the opportunity to work from home, or if that is not possible, are redeployed to roles where they are less at risk.

Carrying out out inspections and investigating potential hazards

Coronavirus (COVID-19) represents a potential new hazard in the workplace.

It is therefore important that UNISON's safety reps use their powers responsibly to carry out inspections where required, to make sure that everything possible is being done to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, and ensure those on the frontline of fighting are provided and trained in the use of the appropriate gloves, masks, aprons and eye protection.

Often, the most dangerous time for a health or care worker is when removing their equipment, and that is why it is important they are trained in how to do so.

Right to be consulted on matters affecting your members

These are exceptional circumstances and inevitably employers will be introducing equally exceptional measures.

These may include asking workers to self-isolate, adopt new hygiene procedures and in some cases perform duties or working in environments they previously were not familiar with.

All these have the potential to affect workers' safety and it is therefore vital that employers are consulting with and discussing these changes with our reps.

Involving you in these decisions will ensure employers and unions can work together to communicate the right messages.

Find out more
See our health and safety reps guide for a reminder of all your rights and functions Coronavirus - general advice page

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Coronavirus guidance for health and safety reps | UNISON Health and Safety | UNISON National

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These are difficult and challenging times particularly for those of our members who are the on frontline of fighting this infection. It is also a challenging time for UNISON's safety reps who play such a vital role in keeping workers safe. As a safety rep you are in a unique position to help and support members.

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HSE Covid and Ventilation in the Workplace

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HSE Covid and Ventilation in the Workplace

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The law requires employers to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air in the workplace and this has not changed during the pandemic.

Good ventilation, together with social distancing, keeping your workplace clean and frequent handwashing, can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

This guidance will help you identify poorly ventilated areas of your workplace and provides steps you can take to improve ventilation. It will apply in most workplaces.

Why ventilation is important

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of the virus in the air and therefore reduces the risks from airborne transmission. This happens when people breathe in small particles (aerosols) in the air after someone with the virus has occupied an enclosed area.

However, ventilation will have little or no impact on droplet or contact transmission routes.

You should consider ventilation alongside the relevant control measures required to reduce the risk of transmission as part of making your workplace COVID-secure.

Balancing ventilation with keeping people warm

Providing adequate ventilation does not mean that workplaces have to be cold.

Good ventilation is a balance between making sure workplaces are warm but keeping a flow of air going through an area.

Simple steps, such as partially opening windows, can be taken to ensure ventilation is maintained. Natural ventilation can be used with heating systems to maintain a reasonable temperature in the workplace.

Identifying poorly ventilated areas

Where your workplace (or parts of it) are poorly ventilated, you will need to improve ventilation in those areas to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.

There are some simple ways to identify poorly ventilated areas:

Look for areas where there is no mechanical ventilation or no natural ventilation, such as opening windows and vents etc, unless doors are opened very frequently

Check that mechanical systems provide outdoor air, temperature control or both. If a system (eg a local air conditioner) is recirculating only and doesn't have an outdoor air supply, or a separate source of outdoor air, the area is likely to be poorly ventilated

Identify areas that feel stuffy or smell badly

Use carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors to identify the CO2 levels to help decide if ventilation is poor. CO2 monitors are most effective for areas that are regularly attended by the same group of people. They are less effective in areas with low numbers of people

If you work in an environment with a complex ventilation system, for example supplying multiple floors and rooms, or old buildings, there is more guidance from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

How to improve ventilation

It is more important to deal with areas that are not well ventilated. The more people occupying an area that is poorly ventilated, and the longer they remain in it, the greater the risk of transmission.

Singing, shouting and aerobic activities generate higher levels of aerosol and increase the risk further, so consider these factors when ensuring you have adequate ventilation.

The following guidelines can help you improve ventilation in your workplace depending on the existing ventilation you have.

Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation can be provided through open windows, or through other means such as vents. However, fire doors should not be propped open.

It is important not to completely close windows and doors when the area is occupied as this can result in very low levels of ventilation.

Lower temperatures and likely windy weather conditions in the winter months will increase the natural ventilation through openings. This means you don't need to open windows and doors as wide, so partially opening them can still provide adequate ventilation while maintaining a comfortable workplace temperature. Opening higher-level windows is likely to generate fewer draughts.

Airing rooms as frequently as you can will help improve ventilation. This involves opening all doors and windows wide to maximise the ventilation in the room. It may be easier to do this when the room is unoccupied or between uses.

If the area is still cold you could relax dress codes so people can wear extra layers and warmer clothing.

Fan convector heaters can be used provided the area is well ventilated, but they should not be used in poorly ventilated areas.

Mechanical ventilation (including air conditioning)

Mechanical ventilation brings fresh air into a building and can include air conditioning and/or heating. Systems that provide both heating and air conditioning are known as heating and ventilation air conditioning (HVAC).

To help reduce the risk:

continue using most types of mechanical ventilation as normal and set them to maximise fresh air and minimise recirculation

consider extending the operating times of HVAC systems to before and after people use work areas

make sure mechanical systems are maintained in line with manufacturers' instructions

Recirculating air

Mechanical systems supplying individual rooms where recirculation modes allow higher rates of supply of fresh air to be provided to an area, should be allowed to operate.

If you use a centralised ventilation system that circulates air to different rooms, it is recommended that you turn off recirculation and use a fresh air supply.

Recirculation units for heating and cooling that do not draw in a supply of fresh air can remain in operation provided there is a supply of outdoor air, for example windows and doors left open.

Recirculation units (including air conditioning) can mask poor ventilation as they just make an area more comfortable.

Fans and air cleaning units

Desk and ceiling fans

Desk or ceiling fans can be used provided the area is well ventilated but they should not be used in poorly ventilated areas.

Air cleaning and filtration units

Local air cleaning and filtration units can be used to reduce airborne transmission where it isn't possible to maintain adequate ventilation.

Filtration systems, high-efficiency filters and ultraviolet-based devices are the most suitable types to use. They should be the correct size for the area they are being used in.

Ventilation in vehicles

Switch ventilation systems on while people are in the vehicle and set to drawing fresh air in, and not recirculating air.

To improve ventilation, windows can also be opened (partially if it's cold). Heating should also be left on to keep the vehicle warm.

For vehicles that carry different passengers, such as taxis, clear the air between different passengers so the vehicle is aired before anyone else gets in.

Opening doors where it is safe to do so will help to change air quickly. Opening windows fully for a few minutes can also help to clear the air in the vehicle.

The Department for Transport guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs has information on ventilation and making these vehicles COVID-secure.

HSE has advice on social distancing in vehicles during the pandemic.

Page last reviewed: 3 December 2020

Next review due: 31 December 2020

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Ventilation and air conditioning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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The law requires employers to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air in the workplace and this has not changed during the pandemic. Good ventilation, together with social distancing, keeping your workplace clean and frequent handwashing, can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

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UNISON's Working Safety Page (lots of useful info here). 

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UNISON's Working Safety Page (lots of useful info here). 

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Coronavirus is, above all, a health and safety issue. From making the argument for PPE for key workers, to ensuring that members can work safely from home, the role of the health and safety rep has never been more important.
Coronavirus: what you need to know
We've gathered together some online training and learning resources for UNISON health and safety reps, or for members who are interested in learning more.

If you think the role of the health and safety rep might be for you, then you can find out more in our presentation, 'Becoming a health and safety rep - an introduction'
Download the presentation
If you're not yet a health and safety rep but think you might like to become one, you can express your interest here:
Be on the safe side
Our introductory course for health and safety reps has been updated and adapted for online delivery. This is being delivered both nationally and by regional education teams.
See upcoming national courses Find your regional education team
As UNISON's guidance for health and safety reps states, coronavirus (COVID-19) represents a potential hazard in the workplace. It is therefore important that UNISON's safety reps use their powers responsibly to carry out inspections where required, to make sure that everything possible is being done to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, and ensure those on the front line of care are provided and trained in the use of the appropriate gloves, masks, aprons and eye protection. Often, the most dangerous time for a health or care worker is when removing their equipment, and that is why it is important they are trained in how to do so.
UNISON guidance for health and safety reps
UNISON's Bargaining Support Group has produced a number of guides which can help health and safety reps make the case for a safer workplace.
Easing of lockdown Staff unable to work Sickness absence All UNISON bargaining guides
The risk assessment is an important part of ensuring that the workplace is safe. Find out more on UNISON's knowledge base.
Risk assessment
There are PowerPoint presentations exploring the implications of coronavirus for risk assessments as the lockdown begins to ease. You can use them to walk yourself through the issues, or perhaps present them to other branch reps over video conference.
Returning to work safely: presentation "At Work" risk assessment: presentation
And the TUC has a very helpful e-learning module taking you through the risk assessment process step by step.
Coronavirus: return to safe workplaces
Other Powerpoint presentations cover what employers need to do (both in a social care setting and more generally) and basic health and safety principles as applied in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
What employers need to do (general) What employers need to do (social care) Health and safety principles and the coronavirus
UNISON held a webinar covering the topic of risk assessments. You can find many of UNISON's webinars on the Organising Space.
Watch a recording
There are less obvious - but equally important - aspects to health and safety that have come into particular focus at this time. One of these is the issue of domestic abuse. As explained in UNISON's guidance, domestic abuse is a trade union issue, and a health and safety issue. With many homes having suddenly become workplaces, and against a background of heightened tension, members may be at increased risk of experiencing domestic abuse.

The TUC has produced an e-learning module outlining the issues and explaining what you can do to help.
TUC domestic abuse guidance TUC e-learning module
Mental health at work is also a health and safety issue, and one which has come under scrutiny during the coronavirus pandemic. Public services staff are working under high pressure and in stressful environments. UNISON has guidance on taking a health and safety approach to tackling stress.
Mental health matters: guidance for branches Stress: a UNISON guide
UNISON's course for new health and safety reps has been adapted for online delivery and rolled out across the union. Your regional education team will be able to advise you when the next course will be running.
Contact your regional education team
If you're looking for a quick refresher on a particular health and safety issue, the TUC's eNotes can take you through the basics in twenty minutes or so. The modules on Health and Safety and Organising, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and Fit For Work may be of particular interest at this time.

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Coronavirus is, above all, a health and safety issue. From making the argument for PPE for key workers, to ensuring that members can work safely from home, the role of the health and safety rep has never been more important.

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Bargaining over Covid Vaccination Requirements 

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Bargaining over Covid Vaccination Requirements 

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Bargaining over COVID-19 vaccination status requirements in the workplace.docx