Scotland: Work in Other People’s Homes - Guidance Update

The Working in People’s Homes statutory guidance has been updated and is available here:  Coronavirus (COVID-19): general guidance for safer workplaces - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

This guidance is for tradespeople and businesses who employ tradespeople providing goods and services in or to other peoples’ homes. This includes all in-home workers in accordance with relevant sectoral and industry guidance.

Q: What steps should I take to protect myself and others when working in someone else’s home?

In this public health crisis, it is vital that everyone act responsibly and align fully with published guidance. At a minimum this should include:

• 2 metres physical distancing
• good ventilation
• the wearing of face coverings
• effective hygiene practices
• appropriate risk assessment
• contact tracing and appropriate self-isolation

These are the most effective means of preventing transmission of the virus and saving lives.

People delivering goods to, or services in or outside a customer’s house, can travel between COVID-19 Protection Levels for the purpose of work where that work is essential and allowed under the regulations.

Across all Levels and during Lockdown tradespeople and businesses should contact the customer or client in advance to:

• ensure the customer or client agrees to have their contact details recorded for the purpose of contact tracing

• check the household is not self-isolating

People should not enter the home if any of its occupants are self-isolating, except where such work is essential for emergency health and safety reasons. In such circumstances tradespeople and businesses should review any risk assessment processes they have in place and be especially vigilant in implementing existing mitigation measures throughout the duration of the work, such as

• physical distancing
• hand hygiene
• avoiding unnecessary contact with household surfaces
• use of face coverings

These mitigations are essential to break the chain of transmission.

View the full guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): general guidance for safer workplaces - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)