Risk Assessment in workplaces and premises open to the public

Regulations 16 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (the “Coronavirus Regulations”) imposes an obligation on people responsible for premises open to the public or where work takes place to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus on the premises, and to minimise the risk of spread of coronavirus by those who have been on the premises. This guidance is issued under regulation 18 of the Coronavirus Regulations. It is aimed at any person who is required by regulation 16 of the Coronavirus Regulations to:

1. undertake a specific assessment of the risk of exposure to coronavirus at their premises (and to consult persons working on the premises or representatives of those persons in doing so);
2. take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of 2 metres between all persons is maintained on or while waiting to enter their premises;
3. ensure that other reasonable measures are taken to minimise risk of exposure to the virus, in particular by limiting close face to face interaction and by improving hygiene; and
4. provide information to those entering or working at the premises about how to minimise risk.

Regard must also be had to guidance under the regulations on:

• the collection and retention of contact details from people who have been at particular premises; and
• responsibilities with regard to the wearing of face coverings