Worker COVID-19 Risk Assessment
(Document prepared by the Risk Assessment Group within the Occupational Health
and Safety Workstream of the National Department of Health – Covid-19 Response)
Please note: This is an interim guide that may be updated as the outbreak in South Africa
intensifies, to guide additional workforce preserving strategies; Version 1, 17 April 2020
How to use this Guide?
• Use the questions below to assess if it is safe to start work.
• If you answer NO to any of the questions, report this immediately to your supervisor,
who will help to identify a practicable and reasonable solution.
Always practise these controls in your workplace
1. Social distancing must be at least 1.5 metre away from any other person in any circumstance.
2. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser after
contact with any person or after contact with frequently touched surfaces e. g. phones, door
handles etc.
3. Cough in the fold of the elbow or in a tissue which you discard in a bin and wash your hands.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Employee training and awareness
I have received training on COVID-19 and the virus causing it,
how the virus is spread, the symptoms of the disease and how I
can protect myself against infection.
I am trained and familiar with the COVID-19 protocols in my
workplace.
I know the protocol of self-isolate at my home or at a quarantine
site should I become ill with symptoms of COVID-19.
I know the protocol to report should I become ill with symptoms
of COVID-19.
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I have been told about the screening and testing procedure for
Covid-19
I have been told about contact-tracing for Covid-19 if I am
tested positive for Covid-19
I have been trained in the correct use, how many times PPE
can be used before it needs to be replaced, storage and safe
disposal of used/contaminated PPE.
Hygiene and cleaning measures
Hand washing sink with soap & approved (70% alcohol) hand
sanitiser is available.
Surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected with
approved disinfection/sanitising products on a regular basis (at
least every four hours)
I know the required personal hygiene practices such as
couching/sneezing into my elbow if I do not have a clean tissue
with me, washing my hands regularly for 20 sec, and not
sharing stationary, eating utensils and/or PPE with a colleague.
Reduce physical contact (social distancing 1.5 m or 2 x arm-length)
I know the social distancing rule of keeping a distance of at
least 1.5 meter or 2 x arm-length between myself and any
colleague or person from the public.
I know that I need to avoid physical contact such as
handshakes, touching and hugs.
I know that crowds or gatherings (e.g. large groups >10 or
groups in spaces where there is not sufficient ventilation) needs
to be avoided at my workplace.
When dining at work or during breaks, I need to maintain a 1.5
meter distance from colleagues while dining, and I must not sit
face-to-face opposite any other person.
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Personal Protective Equipment
I have all the PPE specific to my work tasks to protect me from
COVID-19 in addition to my normal PPE required to work safely.
My PPE is a in good condition and I’m familiar with the
procedure how to use it and how to replace it when it is
damaged or lost.
Personal wellbeing
I monitor my own health for early COVID-19 symptoms (cough,
sore throat, shortness of breath or fever ≥ 38°C) or flu
symptoms and know what to do and where I need to report to if
I experience any of the mentioned symptoms.
I know the contact number and how to access psychological
support services should I need support.
Emergency response
I am familiar with the procedure to report in case someone at
home or in my workplace has symptoms of COVID-19.
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