During the past eight months it has been very easy to overlook an important responsibility for employers and businesses when being faced with the new challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic. Health and safety in the workplace is pivotal to company operating strategies and cannot be compromised at any time.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out spot checks and inspections to ensure that businesses in all areas are COVID-secure. But whilst making these new checks, the HSE will still observe that the wider aspect of all health and safety procedures are being met and upheld. Are you ready for such a visit? Have you checked that all processes are reviewed and risk assessed in order to comply with current legislation?

The HSE inspectors are calling and visiting premises to check the measures that employers have put in place are in line with government guidance. As part of their normal role in visiting workplaces, COVID secure checks now form part of their remit.

The Health and Safety Executive have made a video to help businesses understand their obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for their employees, customers and visitors. Video here  

The advice on conformance with what is considered a COVID-secure workplace starts with a COVID-19 risk assessment. This should then lead on to consideration for social distancing, hand washing and hygiene procedures. Equipment and consumables that will be required for the safe operation of these procedures within all industries and organisations can be easily found.

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