Back to work face mask wearing

[Ruby3333]

Well hope your all good back to work Wednesday just nipped down to work today to get my nhs card updated work at DR surgery I was surprised no one had a face mask on I did they all looked at me as if I was mad worried as I have Lupus not on any meds but had recently flare rash arms chest should staff all were mask or not any advise on this ❤️🤷

[happytulip]

Oh dear, that means that they aren't protecting you from their respiratory spores.

Have you had a risk assessment meeting with your manager? Maybe they should be wearing one around you?

[Ruby3333 in reply to happytulip]

No there not bothered unfortunately x

[happytulip in reply to Ruby3333]

There are legal requirements that they have to meet. I'm sure if you email lupus UK or contact your Union then you will get some good advice.

[Ruby3333 in reply to happytulip]

Yes think I might ring union tomorrow xx

[Treetop33]

They have to be wearing a mask in indoor spaces - it is actually a rule (that clearly few are bothering with because apparently it's patriotic to spread your germs around).

[Ruby3333 in reply to Treetop33]

Hi to be honest I was in shock when I walked into work they obviously don’t watch the news like I have for three months well I am wearing one thank you for your reply stay safe xx

[Jesse040501 in reply to Ruby3333]

I was also meant to be back to work on Tuesday but received a letter from Social care that people sheilding are not allowed back to work until 1st of August. I emailed to manager n occ health. I have been asked by occ health to stay home for another month . They expecting 1 st of August. I also work for NHS Hospital. In relation to the wearing of mask, my manager pointed out that everyone was expected to wear mask whilst at work. Take care

[heatherevans28]

I'm afraid there is no legal requirement for them to make everyone wear a mask or face covering at work. What they have to do is a risk assessment and put appropriate measures in place. This could include separate working areas, hand hygiene, screens, restricted movement etc. Masks are meant to be a lost resort and not required in most work places.

hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/work...

There's even specific guidance for healthcare settings which says PPE is not required in non-clinical settings, where it would not have been provided before. I presume you are not a doctor / nurse but if you are then obviously different rules apply depending on which clinical area you are working in.

hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/ppe-...

I would talk to your manager about your concerns and maybe talk to your consultant about your potential risk. It is unclear from what you've said whether you were asked to shield. If you were, then you should not yet be returning to work until August (at the earliest). The current guidance is still that those shielding should be working from home or not at all.

I hope this helps and all the best.