HSE are conducting spot checks on workplaces to make sure they’re following government guidelines on being COVID-secure.
However, they are now enlisting the support of approved partners to help carry out these, often unannounced, inspections, so it’s more likely than ever that you may get a visit or call.
Officers that visit premises will be carrying identification from their business and a letter of authorisation from HSE. If you wish to verify who it is calling you or the officer at your door is working for HSE, you can call 0300 790 6896.
To be COVID-secure mean businesses need to put in place workplace adjustments, keep up to date with the latest guidance and put measures in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others. There are practical steps that businesses can take to do that:
- Step 1: carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment (we have a wide variety of free, downloadable risk assessments that are easy to adapt to your own situation on our website)
- Step 2: develop increased cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures
- Step 3: maintain 2m social distancing where possible
- Step 4: where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. We encourage businesses to engage their employees in the changes they put in place to become COVID-secure, to increase confidence with workers and, in turn, customers and the local community.
Some of the most common issues that HSE, local authority and other inspectors are finding across the country include:
- failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing
- failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime – particularly at busy times of the day – and providing access to welfare facilities to allow employees to frequently wash their hands with warm water and soap
HSE will support businesses by providing advice and guidance; however where some employers are not managing the risk, HSE will take action which can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution. |
