Ending the legal requirement to wear a face covering will pose a risk to some workers, the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) has said.
The warning came in a statement released after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all Covid-19 restrictions and measures, including mask wearing and social distancing, will end on 19 July.
SOM reiterated that employers’ health and safety responsibilities will continue after so-called “freedom day”, and that they should still consider how to mitigate both biological and psychological health risks to workers.
“Ending the legal requirement to wear a face covering will present a risk in some working environments, in particular for front line workers,” SOM said. “The impact of this higher risk must be mitigated – for example through the appropriate level of PPE, adequate ventilation and social distancing.”
On Monday, Johnson and chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty emphasised that it would be left up to individuals to decide when it would be appropriate to wear a face covering. Examples given by Professor Whitty included when in a crowded indoor area, or indoors with close proximity to other people; when required to do so by a “competent authority”; and when someone else was uncomfortable with others not wearing a mask.
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The Unite union has called the government’s decision to remove face covering requirements as an act of “gross negligence”.
Johnson also confirmed that the government’s current working from home advice will be scrapped.
SOM recognised that organisations were free to switch to an immediate full-time return to the workplace where staff had been working from home, but advised that organisations “take the time to talk to their people about any concerns or queries they have”.
“As the CIPD has stated, the end of restrictions is a signal for the start of greater freedom and flexibility in how, when and where people work,” it said.
“Employers should provide impartial, factual information to keep employees informed about the workplace impact and risks of Covid-19. Vaccination should be encouraged and SOM agree with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine that this should remain voluntary.”
SOM also encouraged organisations to review the impact of further reopening and mixing. “Some employees may be concerned about the impact of further reopening and mixing and it’s important to provide effective mental health and wellbeing support,” it said.
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Organisations should also consult with employees and employee representatives about risk management arrangements.
The government has indicated that guidance will be updated to provide examples of precautions employers can take to reduce risk in their workplaces.
