{"id":31320,"date":"2020-12-15T05:56:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T05:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=31320"},"modified":"2021-08-04T14:42:22","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T13:42:22","slug":"coronavirus-how-to-keep-safe-whilst-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/coronavirus-how-to-keep-safe-whilst-working","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus: How to keep safe whilst working"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Last updated: 4<sup>th<\/sup> August 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>For FAQ&#8217;s about coronavirus and using Rated People, <a aria-label=\"head to our FAQs (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/coronavirus-faqs-for-tradespeople\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>head to our FAQs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li><li>For information on government support for trade businesses, <a aria-label=\"head to our Trade Advice Centre (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/coronavirus-government-support-for-construction-businesses\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>head to our Trade Advice Centre<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important that we all follow the government guidelines on reducing the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus. So, we brought together some top tips for tradespeople with the latest government advice, to help you keep yourself and your customers safe whilst you\u2019re working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since Boris Johnson&#8217;s announcement in mid-May that &#8220;anyone who can\u2019t work from home, for instance those in construction, should be actively encouraged to go to work&#8221;, <strong>the government has launched a Business Support campaign that promotes the latest business safety guidance and information about the financial support available<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a aria-label=\"new guidance (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_campaign=business_support_covid_2020&amp;utm_medium=social%20&amp;utm_source=stakeholder&amp;utm_content=safer-working-stakeholder-1105\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>new safety guidance<\/strong><\/a> is broken down according to type of workplace. The key messages for the construction industry are around staying in fixed teams, keeping a safe distance and minimising contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"431\" class=\"wp-image-31965\" style=\"width: 766px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/05\/CONSTRUCTION_16-9.jpg\" alt=\"Banner messages: keep workers in fixed teams, stay a safe distance apart, limit face to face contact\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/05\/27151316\/CONSTRUCTION_16-9.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/05\/27151316\/CONSTRUCTION_16-9-590x332.jpg 590w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/05\/27151316\/CONSTRUCTION_16-9-390x220.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" \/> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The campaign also defines messages for tradespeople working in people&#8217;s homes, which are geared towards only working around people that are isolating in emergencies and never if you are symptomatic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"431\" class=\"wp-image-31969\" style=\"width: 766px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/05\/TRADESPEOPLE.jpg\" alt=\"Don't work in a home that is isolating except in an emergency\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/05\/28123021\/TRADESPEOPLE.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/05\/28123021\/TRADESPEOPLE-590x332.jpg 590w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/05\/28123021\/TRADESPEOPLE-390x220.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Country-specific coronavirus rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ENGLAND<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most legal restrictions have been lifted in England since 19<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;July 2021, meaning you can carry out work in other homes as long as you, the homeowner and everyone in both of your households are well and have no coronavirus symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also follow the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/working-safely-during-covid-19\/construction-and-other-outdoor-work#outdoors-4-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>COVID-Secure guidance for businesses<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;where possible, including leaving doors open to let fresh air in and limiting the number of workers within a confined space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additional guidelines are in place in local areas at higher risk of COVID-19. If you live in one of these areas, you should follow the specific guidance given by your local authority. Check if your local area is listed on&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#extra-support-deployed-in-areas-receiving-an-enhanced-response-to-covid-19\">Gov.uk<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SCOTLAND<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the 19<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;July 2021, Scotland moved to protection level 0. This means that you can carry out work in other homes as long as you, the homeowner and everyone in both of your households are well and have no coronavirus symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must follow the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.scot\/publications\/coronavirus-covid-19-general-guidance-for-safer-workplaces\/pages\/work-in-other-peoples-homes-faq\/\">guidance on working in homes safely<\/a><\/strong>. This includes wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing (1m indoors).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>WALES<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Saturday 17<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;July, Wales is at alert level 1. You can carry out work in other homes, as long as it can be done safely and you, the homeowner and your respective households are well and have no coronavirus symptoms. You must also follow all the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gov.wales\/taking-all-reasonable-measures-minimise-risk-exposure-coronavirus-workplaces-and-premises-open\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>reasonable measures<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gov.wales\/guidance-working-other-peoples-homes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>guidance on working in other people\u2019s homes<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government has recommended that no work is carried out in a household where someone is isolating, unless it is to repair a fault or to carry out an adaptation to allow you to stay in your property. If this is the case, additional precautions should be taken to keep both you and the homeowner completely separate from each other. Public Health Wales can advise you in these specific cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Going to work (if you can\u2019t work from home)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You should avoid public transport to travel, if at all possible.<\/li><li>Don&#8217;t carry out any work if you or someone in your own household has coronavirus symptoms. <\/li><li>Don&#8217;t carry out any work in a household that&#8217;s isolating or where an individual is shielding, unless your work is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household. If your work is to remedy a direct risk, you can read about the additional steps you must take to ensure your safety and your customer\u2019s safety on <a aria-label=\"Gov.uk (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance#working-in-peoples-homes-as-a-tradesperson-cleaner-or-nannyhttps:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance#working-in-peoples-homes-as-a-tradesperson-cleaner-or-nanny\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Gov.uk<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Manage coronavirus risk so you can work safely<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Carry out a risk assessment to make sure you\u2019re doing everything you can to eliminate the risk of COVID-19.<\/li><li>If you\u2019re a self-employed tradesperson or you have fewer than 5 people working for you, you won\u2019t have to produce any paperwork. You should stillshare the results with your customers.<\/li><li>If you\u2019re a larger business with 5 or more people, you\u2019ll need to consult with the health and safety representative selected by a recognised trade union. If there isn\u2019t one, then liaise with a representative chosen by your employees. Once the risk assessment has been done, you should display the government\u2019s certificate on your website. You should also share it with customers and your employees. You can find the template on page 7 of the <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/media\/5eb967e286650c2791ec7100\/working-safely-during-covid-19-other-peoples-homes-110520.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>government\u2019s PDF<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li><li>Cut down on the number of visits to a customer by having phone or video calls with them instead.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to prepare for a job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in contact with the homeowner, so they\u2019re confident that you\u2019re working to keep them safe. You should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"220\" class=\"wp-image-31338\" style=\"width: 400px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/corona-communicate.png\" align=\"right\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19154555\/corona-communicate.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19154555\/corona-communicate-604x332.png 604w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><ul><li>Let them know what actions you\u2019re taking to protect them, as well as yourself. <\/li><li>\tInform them if you have hayfever, allergies or respiratory conditions that could potentially make you sneeze, so they\u2019re not worried when you do. <\/li><li>You should agree with them how you\u2019ll go about your work safely before you turn up. <\/li><li>Ask them if they want you to take any extra precautions beyond what you&#8217;ve discussed, especially if they\u2019re classed as more vulnerable. <\/li><li>You could also ask the homeowner to clear the room that you\u2019re working in of any furniture, if they\u2019re able to. For example, if you\u2019re a painter\/decorator, ask them to take down any photos from the walls. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whilst it\u2019s important to keep in touch with your customers, you should still avoid close contact as much as possible. Some tradespeople have told us that they\u2019re asking for photos or a video of the problem that needs fixing, so they can provide more quotes over the phone. <a aria-label=\"Our Chat feature (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/c\/tradespeople\/help#how-do-i-contact\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Our Chat feature<\/strong><\/a> is great for this, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Protective products to bring on a job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/2-corona-tissue.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31315\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144107\/2-corona-tissue.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144107\/2-corona-tissue-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> Tissues: to cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. If your hands are full, or it\u2019s not safe to use your hands, you can sneeze into the crook of your arm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/2-corona-binbag.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31314\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144105\/2-corona-binbag.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144105\/2-corona-binbag-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A plastic bag or bin liner: put all used tissues in the plastic bag immediately and wash your hands afterwards \u2013 this will save anyone else from coming into contact with potential germs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/2-corona-handwash.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31313\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144102\/2-corona-handwash.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144102\/2-corona-handwash-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hand sanitiser: using soap and water is best, but if it\u2019s not available then use hand sanitiser.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/2-corona-thermos.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31312\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144100\/2-corona-thermos.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144100\/2-corona-thermos-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A thermos and water bottle:  bring your own drinks with you if you\u2019re working inside a house, to reduce contact with the homeowner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to keep safe whilst you\u2019re on a job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/corona-20sec.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31319\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144117\/corona-20sec.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144117\/corona-20sec-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds \u2013 liquid soap is better than bar soap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/corona-sanitiser.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31318\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144115\/corona-sanitiser.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144115\/corona-sanitiser-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use hand sanitiser that contains at&nbsp;<strong>least 60%&nbsp;alcohol<\/strong> if soap and water aren\u2019t available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/corona-handwash.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31317\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144112\/corona-handwash.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144112\/corona-handwash-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always wash your hands as soon as you get home from work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/corona-mask.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31316\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144109\/corona-mask.png 640w, https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2020\/03\/19144109\/corona-mask-332x332.png 332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you happen to have protective gear, like safety goggles or a dust mask, you might want to use them, too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Clean regularly touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products. This will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people. <\/li><li>Don\u2019t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands aren\u2019t clean.<\/li><li>If the weather allows, keep your windows open for fresh air and to keep clean air moving through the room. <\/li><li>Minimise the number of people making deliveries to the homeowner\u2019s property. You can do this by bulk ordering products from the same supplier, if possible.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to maintain social distancing in\nsomeone\u2019s home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If it isn\u2019t possible to maintain social distancing while working in the home then pay extra attention to equipment, cleaning and hygiene to reduce risk. <\/li><li>Assign working materials, such as tools or domestic appliances, to an individual and don&#8217;t share them, if possible. If they need to be shared, they should be shared by the smallest possible number of people.<\/li><li>Ask that households leave all internal doors open to minimise contact with door handles.<\/li><li>Identify busy areas across the household where people travel to, from or through, such as stairs and corridors. Try to minimise movement within these areas. <\/li><li>Bring your own food and drink to households and have breaks outside where possible. <\/li><li>If there&#8217;s more than one person working in a home, limit the number of tradespeople working within a confined space. Use a fixed pairing system if you have to work near each other, for example, during two-person assembly or maintenance. Employers should introduce fixed pairing and allocate the same tradespeople to a household for repetitive work.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to do if you feel ill, or someone in your household is ill<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or anyone in your household has tested positive for coronavirus, has symptoms, has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or has arrived in England from a \u2018red list\u2019 country or \u2018amber list\u2019 country (if not fully vaccinated), you must stay at home for at least 10 days. Find out more about when you can stop self isolation&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/coronavirus-covid-19\/self-isolation-and-treatment\/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>on the NHS website<\/strong><\/a>. If you live with someone who has symptoms, you\u2019ll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms. For advice on what you should do to recover, read the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/coronavirus-covid-19\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NHS guidance<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also let the homeowner know if you feel ill. Make it clear to them that you\u2019re self-isolating to keep them safe. Also, let them know when you\u2019ll be back in touch to rearrange the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Government coronavirus help for your business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31338\" style=\"width: 300px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/03\/corona-money.png\" align=\"right\" alt=\"\"><p>The government recently announced a package of measures to support small businesses during this time. This includes cash grants and sick pay cover. Read more on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/coronavirus-government-support-for-construction-businesses\">our Homeowner Advice Centre<\/a>.\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to do now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keep an eye on your emails and check our website for the latest updates to government advice and support. We\u2019ll keep this article up-to-date with the latest information.<br><\/li><li>Sign up to our Protected Payments service. It\u2019s a secure, digital payment method which gets rid of the need to meet with the homeowner in person to collect payment. Plus, your money is protected should the job be delayed, for example if either of you have to self-isolate. Find out more on our <a aria-label=\"Tradesmen help page (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/c\/tradespeople\/help#what-are-protected=payments\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tradesmen help page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll continue to keep new job leads coming in for you to choose from. We\u2019ve seen a rise in homeowners looking for gardeners, tree surgeons and more. Check out the latest job leads by <a aria-label=\"logging into your Rated People account (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>logging into your Rated People account<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Note:<\/strong> Countries may approach the different phases of lockdown differently. This guidance is in line with the UK government&#8217;s advice and is being followed in England. See the specific government websites for any differences. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/coronavirus-staying-safe-whilst-working-on-a-construction-site\">Guidance for staying safe on a construction site<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated: 4th August 2021 For FAQ&#8217;s about coronavirus and using Rated People, head to our FAQs.For information on government support for trade businesses, head to our Trade Advice Centre. It\u2019s important that we all follow the government guidelines on reducing the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus. So, we brought together some top tips for &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":31335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2944,3094],"tags":[3113],"class_list":["post-31320","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trade","category-trade-news","tag-trade-feature"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Coronavirus safety tips for tradespeople | Rated People<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Rated People brings together top coronavirus tips for tradespeople with the latest government advice, to help you keep safe whilst working.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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