Not sure how I can do my job and stay safe at the same time?

n1guy

I work in a factory, everyone is on top of other, there is simply no ability to social distance, I am also out doing deliveries as well, 2-3 people squashed into a work van again isn't safe.  I have asthma so I am a high-risk group. I am not sure how to approach this, am I asking too much?  My boss is one of those in the "Ah its a bit of a cold camp"  What would you do?  To be honest it kinda feels like I am taking my life in my hands leaving the house.

Saga

Under HASAW 74 your employer has a legal duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare HSW) of its employees and must take reasonable steps to do so.  They should have risk-assessed all activities in light of guidance about COVID-19 and acted accordingly and in reasonable proportion to remove, reduce and control the hazards and risks.  If they employ more than 5 people these risk assessments would be expected to be documented.  I would say that if they have not changed any practices where it would be reasonably expected they would and put in changes to maintain HSW they should be reported to HSE.

If you're in a high-risk group (people with "severe asthma" are in this group according to NHS) then you should be able to self-isolate. MSE advice on SSP says:

If you're self-isolating on Government advice, and would usually qualify for it [SSP], you should be entitled to statutory sick pay – though employment body the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) says it's "good practice" for your employer to pay your usual sick pay as outlined in your contract.

In the extreme, I would ask you to consider: if you really are at high risk and increased degree of seriousness if and when you contract the virus, is it really worth carrying on working there? That is: no job and financial hardship for a period of time vs dead?

calcotti

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19#sick-pay

Sick pay
Those who follow advice to stay at home and who cannot work as a result will be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), even if they are not themselves sick.
Employers should use their discretion and respect the medical need to self-isolate in making decisions about sick pay.