As businesses begin welcoming employees back into workplaces, following a structured COVID-19 return to work safely protocol has become critical. The UK government has issued clear guidelines to ensure office teams protect their staff to the highest standard possible. At Dazzle, we have long been pioneers in COVID-19 and infectious disease cleaning, providing expert office cleaning services in London since 2011. We understand how vital it is to clean and sanitise correctly to help businesses reopen with confidence.

What Is the COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol?

The COVID-19 return to work safely protocol is a set of measures designed to help employers, business owners, and managers operate their workplaces in a way that prevents the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. These government-issued guidelines ensure that cleaning, disinfection, ventilation, and hygiene standards are rigorously followed.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has developed specific checklists to support employers in implementing these measures. You can download a FREE copy of the cleaning and disinfection checklist here:
Click here for the checklist (courtesy of HSA)

Why Following the COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol Matters

Ensuring that your business is operating according to the COVID-19 return to work safely protocol helps protect your staff, customers, and visitors. It also builds trust and confidence among your team, allowing them to return to the workplace knowing their health and safety are being prioritised.

Failing to meet government standards can also expose businesses to liability or reputational harm. With so much at stake, having a professional cleaning partner like Dazzle ensures you’re meeting these standards and beyond.

Key Components of the COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol

The cleaning and disinfection protocol includes:

Routine and deep cleaning schedules

Proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Hand hygiene stations

Disinfection of high-touch surfaces (door handles, taps, switches)

Good ventilation and air quality

Employee training and awareness

All of these are designed to minimise the risk of virus transmission and to ensure compliance with both legal and ethical standards of care.

Cleaning and Disinfection: What Needs to Happen?

The COVID-19 return to work safely protocol places a strong emphasis on both routine cleaning and enhanced disinfection.

At Dazzle, we approach this in two stages:

Manual Deep Cleaning

This step involves the physical removal of dirt, dust, and contaminants from all surfaces. High-traffic and shared-touch areas like door handles, keyboards, kitchen appliances, and toilets are manually cleaned using commercial-grade disinfectants.

Antiviral Fogging

After surfaces have been manually cleaned, we apply our antiviral fogging treatment using Super Professional V2 Antiviral Disinfectant. This mist covers hard-to-reach areas and kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria within 5 minutes. It’s quick, effective, non-toxic, and leaves no residue.

Who Should Follow the COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol?

The protocol applies to all workplaces, including:

Offices and co-working spaces

Clinics and GP surgeries

Retail shops and hospitality venues

Schools, nurseries, and universities

Logistics and warehouse operations

Whether you operate in Shoreditch, Moorgate, The City, or Canary Wharf, your workplace must be fully compliant with the COVID-19 return to work safely protocol.

How COVID-19 Cleaning Differs from Traditional Office Cleaning

Traditional office cleaning often focuses on visible cleanliness—dusting desks, vacuuming floors, and emptying bins. However, the COVID-19 return to work safely protocol introduces a much more stringent approach, focusing on eliminating pathogens on both visible and hidden surfaces.

Key differences include:

Frequency: COVID-safe cleaning schedules require more frequent cleaning, particularly in high-traffic areas such as toilets, kitchens, and shared meeting rooms.

Chemical Standards: Not all cleaning products are created equal. COVID-safe disinfectants must meet EN 14476 standards, indicating proven efficacy against viruses.

Touchpoint Prioritisation: Surfaces like lift buttons, shared phones, computer keyboards, and even fridge handles require multiple cleanings per day.

Cross-contamination protocols: Colour-coded cloths, mops, and buckets are essential to avoid spreading contaminants between areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

At Dazzle, our teams follow NHS-recommended methods for infection control, and all products used are antiviral, approved for commercial use, and environmentally safe wherever possible.

Internal Training and Communication

All staff should be trained on new cleaning procedures and safe work practices. It’s also essential to keep communication lines open, letting employees know how often cleaning occurs, what products are used, and what to do if they feel unwell.

A Little About Dazzle: Your Expert in Workplace Cleaning

Dazzle has been delivering professional office cleaning services in London since 2011. Our cleaning operatives are fully trained, insured, and equipped with PPE. They undergo continuous training to meet the most current safety standards.

When our teams arrive on-site, they wear masks, gloves, and in some cases full PPE suits. We also offer night and weekend cleaning to minimise disruption. Whether it’s a deep return-to-work sanitisation or a daily maintenance clean, we’ll tailor our services to fit your needs.

hello@dazzle.london – we’ll respond within 15 minutes!

Return to Work Cleaning Checklist (Free Resource)

Be sure to download the official HSA checklist to share with your internal cleaning team or cleaning provider. Download the checklist here

Best Practices for Staying Compliant Long-Term

Schedule monthly deep cleans

Disinfect high-touch points daily

Train new hires in hygiene protocols

Use fogging during flu or COVID-19 outbreaks

Display cleaning schedules and signage visibly

Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Returning to Work

Even with the right intentions, many businesses fall short in implementing the COVID-19 return to work safely protocol. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:

Not using trained professionals: Relying solely on internal staff or non-specialist cleaners often means protocols are not properly followed.

Using ineffective cleaning agents: Many over-the-counter sprays and wipes do not meet the viral kill rate needed for COVID-19 or flu strains.

Cleaning without disinfecting: Cleaning removes dirt, but disinfection actually kills pathogens. Both must be done in sequence for maximum effectiveness.

Lack of signage and communication: Employees are more likely to comply with hygiene practices when they see visible signs and reminders around the workplace.

Irregular deep cleans: A one-off clean is not enough. Maintenance cleaning must be scheduled regularly to prevent viral build-up.

Avoiding these mistakes not only protects staff but also ensures you meet government regulations and avoid potential shutdowns or fines.

External Resources for Further Reading

UK Government Guidance: Working Safely During COVID-19

 

Is Your Business Ready?

Implementing a COVID-19 return to work safely protocol is no longer optional—it’s essential for every London-based business. With Dazzle by your side, you gain a cleaning partner that understands the stakes and delivers results that protect your people and your reputation.

Don’t wait for an outbreak to take action. Trust the experts in workplace hygiene and compliance.

Contact Dazzle today to schedule your COVID-safe cleaning consultation.