Spot checks on businesses’ Covid-secure measures are being carried out in Hull, with the city council working with the Health and Safety Executive to undertake inspections.
Officials have warned that the reopening of the economy means that the opportunity for coronavirus to spread has increased substantially, with the message it is critical that businesses don’t become complacent.
Calls and visits to companies across the spectrum will be made, including those operating throughout, those that have recently re-opened, and those gearing up for the next stage of relaxation.
Angela Storey, director of transformation and operational services at HSE, said: “As we come out of lockdown, we are continuing to work with local authorities to check businesses are Covid-secure and providing guidance and advice where needed.
“Our spot checks and inspections support the cross-government work in helping employers and employees that have worked throughout the pandemic and those returning as lockdown measures ease.
“All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check from HSE or an inspection to check they are Covid-secure.”
Addressing businesses directly, she added: “If you are contacted by the HSE or Hull City council please engage with us.
“By checking businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of local communities, as well as support the local and national 海角视频 economy.”
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Business have been told that the following Covid-secure measures should be put in place:
Risk assessment: Every workplace should have a Covid risk assessment. Update it to reflect any changes in legislation or guidance that may impact your work activity
Social distancing: Where possible you should keep people two metres apart. If this is not viable, keeping one metre apart with risk mitigation is acceptable
Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing: Keeping your workplace clean reduces the potential for coronavirus to spread. It is a critical part of making and keeping your business Covid-secure.
Ventilation and air conditioning can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus
Talk to workers: Provide information about providing support and maintaining control measures.
Working from home: Provide the equipment they need, keep in regular contact and discuss their wellbeing
Vulnerable workers: Talk to staff, provide information and consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus – putting controls in place to reduce that risk
Councillor Gwen Lunn, portfolio holder for public health and public protection at Hull City Council, said: “We will be talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites across Hull to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.
“All businesses should have Covid-secure measures in place. It is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm, and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus.
“This means making business adjustments to be Covid-secure. We ask employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community. As changes come throughout the next few months and businesses reopen, our responsibility is to make sure that all measures continue to be taken to keep workers safe as they return to the workplace.”