We are working with the HSE to make sure businesses are COVID-secure | Latest news

 

We are working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses in Arun to make sure they are COVID-secure and to help tackle coronavirus in our area.

From 8 February, the next round of spot checks will begin, targeting around 250 businesses. Businesses can expect to be contacted initially by phone, with follow-up in person for those that fail, or won’t engage with the process.

Nearly 80% of businesses contacted in the first round of spot checks which started at the end of 2020 have already passed their check.

During the checks we provide advice and guidance to manage risks and protect workers, customers and visitors but where some businesses are not managing this, further action will be taken. This can range from the provision of specific advice and guidance, carrying out follow up inspections, and in serious cases taking enforcement action, or stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. Where businesses fail to comply, this can lead to prosecution.

Being COVID-secure means that businesses need to put measures in place to manage risks and protect workers and others from coronavirus. For further information on how to manage the risk of coronavirus in different business sectors please read the government guidance.

Cllr Matt Stanley, Cabinet Member for Technical Services said: “We are talking to local businesses and inspecting sites in the area to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

“Being COVID-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses. It is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risks and protect people from coronavirus. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.