"This report responds to the TUC's calls for a strengthened health and safety agenda, improved safety guidance and tougher regulatory activity in the light of Covid-19. Until now little was known about the form workplace risk assessment has taken during Covid-19, its impact on prevention and work. This report identifies the role that Health and Safety (H&S) representatives have played during Covid-19, lessons learned and best practice for continuing and future waves. There is a particular focus on food manufacturing, distribution and food retail (referred to throughout the report as the food sector). The report examines organisational and sectoral mechanisms and processes for worker representation and for effective social dialogue and joint regulation on health and safety. It identifies the role of H&S representatives in risk assessment and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but also in the (re)organisation of work and workplace ergonomics. The report also explores the role of unions in the protection of mental health, in ensuring that health and safety measures cover all groups of workers, and in maintaining the confidence of workers in their organisation's capacity to keep them safe. It recognises the specific issues for the protection of key workers, the disproportionate outcomes for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) workers, but also for those on contractual arrangements with no direct relationship with employers."

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