What are the current workplace rules re masks

coffeehound

Thanks all, that has clarified things a lot.  Dealing with the agency is like trying to get blood from a stone, so I'll just pitch up with my own mask to travel in and let them supply the PPE from there  

Aranyani said:

All these disposable masks will be doing so much damage to the environment.  Archaeologists of the future will be able to use the layer of PPE to date fossils etc to 2020. 

Ha, that's so true.  Just walking along a country lane today the dispo masks were everywhere

Grumpy_chap

sweetsand said:

coffeehound said:

I start a new job this week and am unsure what the workplace requirements are.  

Is it a requirement to wear masks when in the same room as others (with or without distancing)?  If so I'm going to need to buy more masks . .

Hi
Call them and ask but the bottom line, the employer has the responsibility to keep everyone safe. Should you feel they are not, first tell them if no action report them.

ATB
x

In my opinion, the above is not helpful advice.  Starting a new job and immediately challenging them or reporting them seems like a sure fire way to not have a job.

MalMonroe

Aranyani said:

All these disposable masks will be doing so much damage to the environment.  Archaeologists of the future will be able to use the layer of PPE to date fossils etc to 2020. 

That may be true but we really are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Don't wear a mask, run the risk of dying. Do wear a mask, run the risk of ruining the environment. It really is a tough choice.

sweetsand

Grumpy_chap said:

sweetsand said:

coffeehound said:

I start a new job this week and am unsure what the workplace requirements are.  

Is it a requirement to wear masks when in the same room as others (with or without distancing)?  If so I'm going to need to buy more masks . .

Hi
Call them and ask but the bottom line, the employer has the responsibility to keep everyone safe. Should you feel they are not, first tell them if no action report them.

ATB
x

In my opinion, the above is not helpful advice.  Starting a new job and immediately challenging them or reporting them seems like a sure fire way to not have a job.

Hi
For sure you are entitled to your opinion and I am to mine.
To "challenge" or not to as you are suggesting just because the OP is "new" to the job allows the not so good employers
to get away with breaking the rules.
IMHO and when I first started in my first job, young and scared, I was too scared to say anything even when I saw bullying, mocking, harassment, favouritism, etc, etc. I left that place and moved to a new place about 3 months later and the new place had a loud mouthed sexist member of staff. On my second day I spoke with my line manger, they said "oh that is just ..."  - then the day after when he made some crass remarks to me, I challenged him and he tried to make a joke out of it and then told me to "chill out" - I reported him off the record again to my line manager said the same stuff and laughed it off. I went to the manager and told her the bloke made me uncomfortable and went back into the office and another young memeber of staff asked me what it was about - I told her and she backed me up we went to personnel and the he stopped and gave me dirty looks, unknown to me becuse of me standing up for myself, this encouraged others to complain about him when they asked about what happedn adnhe was sacked a few weeks later anfter an investigation.

I've been on training courses and what sticks in my mind from one of them is they said "if you see something and do nothing, you are just as guilty as the culprit."

Indeed it takes guts and you could loose your job but you own it to yourself and other decent people to make a stand against bullies, intimadators and those that break employment laws by shouting, bullying you and getting away with it at times with the help of their chums.

Finally, as I said you made a valid point but it's not one for me as yes there is more fear amongst newer staff but we all have a duty to look out for ourselves and others

Dear OP - as I said to the above poster its hard when you are new but you will know what is right/etc and your health and those you meet after work, outside, at home is important as yours and the employer has a duty of care and if you feel this is not being carried out, you decide what to do and I hope my posts and others have helped. ATB
Thank you

JGB1955

So... how many times do you think a disposable mask should be worn?  My 'freebie' from the dentist (cost £7) has now been relegated to the bin after 7 weeks.  Supermarket shop at least once a week.  Couple of petrol station visits. Now breaking out the first of the pack of 10 from Aldi!

CKhalvashi

JGB1955 said:

So... how many times do you think a disposable mask should be worn?  My 'freebie' from the dentist (cost £7) has now been relegated to the bin after 7 weeks.  Supermarket shop at least once a week.  Couple of petrol station visits. Now breaking out the first of the pack of 10 from Aldi!

We recommend changing after 4 hours.

In answer to the original question, we are recommending use on site, but not mandating it. As an employer, we exceed the government guidelines where possible, however we are in a 'difficult' industry to manage, and have had to take that into account.

As stated above, calling out a new employer on the matter (unless there is a serious safety concern) is likely a big no at the moment.

MoneySeeker1

bradders1983 said:

There are no rules that say people in an office have to wear one, other than in NHS settings.

If any boss is making their staff wear one that is something you will have yo ask about.

Also I'm not sure why you make the comment about "you" would have to buy more masks. It's their job and, if they demand mask-wearing, then they provide the masks (not you).

MoneySeeker1

Aranyani said:

All these disposable masks will be doing so much damage to the environment.  Archaeologists of the future will be able to use the layer of PPE to date fossils etc to 2020. 

LOL - remembering that film title of "The Age of Stupid" - it feels appropriate in many ways right now.

cbrown372

OP, take a couple of masks, one for travelling if on public transport then see what the protocol is when you start your job. My friend just started a new job via an agency with two phone call interviews from home so didn't know what the office space was going to be like or even exactly where it was. As it turns out large block containing several offices so it was expected a mask be worn entering the building. Disposable are cheap to buy as indeed are reuseable now and its always wise to have spare in your car or bag. Ignore the suggestion that its acceptable to call out a new employer on your first day or demand anything or you are back looking for another job. Hope it goes as well for you, its not easy getting a job these days.

Niv

MalMonroe said:

Aranyani said:

All these disposable masks will be doing so much damage to the environment.  Archaeologists of the future will be able to use the layer of PPE to date fossils etc to 2020. 

That may be true but we really are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Don't wear a mask, run the risk of dying. Do wear a mask, run the risk of ruining the environment. It really is a tough choice.

Not really. No need to throw them on the floor in any case.