These new guidelines from the University of Glasgow and SOM, for the first time, take account of community prevalence, vaccination status and previous COVID-19 infection in the risk assessment.
There are multiple factors to consider in the COVID-19 return to work risk assessment. These include community infection levels, individual vulnerability, workplace/commute transmission risk, workers' concerns/expectations and more recently, vaccination and previous COVID-19 infection.
In this rapid guide, the authors describe these factors and present a simple stepwise approach to inform decisions and facilitate safe return to work.
The guidelines are intended for workers, employers and health practitioners. Unfortunately, only 50% of UK workers have access to occupational health, so for many workers their risk assessment will have to be done by their GP, employer or themselves and the guidance will help all parties understand their risks and the appropriate work-related control measures.
The guidelines also include an Appendix on worker rehabilitation and pragmatic occupational health advice for workers with Long COVID syndrome.
Download the guidance here.