As the pandemic continues, employers are having to adapt their working environments to manage the risk posed by coronavirus.
To minimise the risk of infection in the workplace, HSE is carrying out spot checks and inspections on businesses to ensure they are COVID-secure. They are doing this by calling, visiting and inspecting all types of businesses, in all areas, to check the measures they’ve put in place are in line with the current guidance.
They are also working closely with local authorities assisting them in their targeting of premises in the sectors they regulate such as hospitality and retail.
During the checks and inspections, they provide advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors. Where businesses are not managing this, they will take immediate action in one of the following ways:
providing specific advice
stopping certain work practices until they are made safe
issuing enforcement notices
prosecution where a business fails to comply
Being COVID-secure means being adaptable to the current guidelines, and HSE’s approach will adapt as workplaces in different sectors manage the coronavirus risks that apply to them. Most employers want to do the right thing, and HSE is here to help and provide advice.
If you receive a call or visit from the HSE, you should participate in the spot check as failure to do so could lead to enforcement action.
Please note, in order to reach as many workplaces as possible nationally and to support the core work of our inspectors, they are working with trained and approved partners to deliver the spot check calls and visits.
Officers that visit premises will be carrying identification from their business and a letter of authorisation from HSE. Calls currently come up as an unknown number. If you wish to verify an officer that calls or visits your organisation, please call 0300 790 6896.
You can find more HSE advice on making your workplace COVID-secure.
The videos in the playlist below show what you can expect during an inspection, inspector findings and tips on making your workplace COVID-secure