Scottish Government introduce regulations extending the wearing of face coverings to workplace canteens and communal spaces in workplaces.

From Friday 16 October 2020, anybody in a workplace canteen will have to wear a face covering unless they are seated at a table or eating and drinking – bringing rules for workplace canteens in line with the regulations in restaurants and cafes.

The Scottish Government will also be introducing regulations which require individuals to wear face coverings in communal areas in workplaces such as corridors, stairs, lifts, staff rooms, training rooms, changing rooms and entrances.  These will come into effect from Monday 19 October, giving employers a few days to prepare.

The responsibility for complying with these measures will rest with individuals, rather than businesses or employers. Employers can help by explaining and encouraging the new requirements and the rationale.

There is evidence that face coverings add some additional value, especially in crowded and less well-ventilated spaces, and where 2m distancing is not possible. However, the wearing of face coverings must not be used as an alternative to physical distancing, good hand hygiene and any other public health precautions.

For more information on the rules of wearing face coverings please visit the Scottish Government Website.

 

 

The Government ramp up preparations for the end of the transition period by publishing an updated Border Operating Model, which provides further detail on how the GB-EU border will work and the actions that traders, hauliers and passengers need to take.

The updated guidance follows extensive engagement with the border industry and the £705m package of investment for border infrastructure, jobs and technology, announced earlier this year.

The updated Border Operating Model can be found here.

Please find below the latest update from HSE.

This update contains information on:

Any questions in regard to the above should be directed to www.hse.gov.uk

The IOSH Environmental and Waste Management Group’s newsletter for August and September 2020 is now available on the IOSH microsite: newsletter.

Topics covered in this issue:

  • Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK
  • Contact tracing
  • Local lockdowns
  • HSE Coronavirus updates and advice
  • We Are Scotland campaign stakeholder toolkit
  • Local Authorities publish final report into impact of Covid-19 on waste services
  • England bans plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds
  • Sri Lanka returns ‘hazardous waste’ to UK
  • Glasgow to receive £6.3m for world’s largest fleet of hydrogen powered refuse trucks
  • Recycling in Northern Ireland: What does the future look like?
  • Future Events

As a reminder, the EWM Group will be running fortnightly free webinars with the next one taking place on Wednesday 21st October on “H&S – the buck stops with the Manager“.  There is still time to register for a free place – please follow this link:

Would you like to help your trainees learn more about sustainability?

Zero Waste Scotland, in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and Lantra, are seeking Work-based Learning Assessors, particularly those involved in apprenticeships, to help shape new sustainability materials linked to core and meta-skills. You don’t have to be an expert in recycling or carbon calculations, just keen to make a difference!

We want to hear from anyone who would like to help us better embed sustainability into work-based learning and make sure it is effectively (and easily!) assessed, enabling young people to evidence their continued development during these difficult times. It’s also a great way to meet other like-minded assessors!

We will run a series of virtual workshops for assessors across all disciplines; however we are particularly keen to hear from those within rural, automotive, construction, business administration and ICT sectors.

To find out more, email sarah.wotton@zerowastescotland.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 21st October 2020.

With an increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the current climate, there is the potential for workers to develop allergic reactions to items containing Latex.

Latex allergy most commonly manifests itself as localised urticaria, however other symptoms include allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and rarely, anaphylaxis.

For more free information and guidance about managing the health risks posed by exposure to latest please visit the HSE website.