Help!

[Clairemtchll]

I am a carer .... I have asthma ..

Is it safe for me to work ?

Someone has said the new guidance on PPE

Suggests that you are more protected and therefore should go back to work. But how is it possible to social distance?

I am working "with Covid 19" and in high risk group! !!

Please help 🙏

[Troilus]

When you say you are in the high risk group, do you mean you have had a letter? If so you need to give a copy to your employer. I would also print off the guidance for shielded people from the government website to accompany it.

[Clairemtchll in reply to Troilus]

No I am not shielded although I have been told by my doctor that I am vulnerable and "at risk" and should social distance.

Sorry that was an error .... Although still "at risk"

[Poobah]

People who have asthma are considered to be disabled by virtue of the Equality Act 2010 if the condition is chronic and affects daily life. As such, they are entitled to an occupational health assessment of the workplace, taking into account their asthma and the risks posed by Covid-19 in respect of their usual duties. The assessment is carried out by a trained practitioner.

The assessment will make recommendations of reasonable adjustments to the workplace or duties that will minimise the risks to the individual. Reasonable adjustments can be a change in duties, partial change of duties, working from home and so on.

The occupational health assessment is different to a general workplace risk assessment that assesses risks posed to everyone.

Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regs are the main plank of legislation that protects people at work, but these are enhanced by the Equality Act 2010.

Most large employers are making adjustments for their vulnerable staff without individual occupational health assessment. Unfortunately, not every employer has access to occupational health facilities so in those cases the employee (not the employer) can access the government scheme Access to Work.

gov.uk/access-to-work

[Clairemtchll in reply to Poobah]

Thank you.

[Alliecat]

I am also a careworker and High risk but I cant work as I'm shielding as you should be if high risk too.... there is no reason for you to work if you are high risk.. you will only put yourself in danger of getting the virus. If you got the shielding letter make sure your employer has a copy so you can be furloughed

[Clairemtchll]

No ... I am not quite shielded. Although still "at risk* because of asthma.

So strict social distancing measures needed.