HSE COVID-secure inspections
If your business is open during the current lockdown then please be aware
that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is continuing to conduct spot
checks and inspections, and in fact are increasing the number of calls and
visits to check that COVID-secure measures have been implemented in
accordance with Government guidance. More information on the spot checks
and inspections can be found on the HSE website.
It is crucial that the workplace is COVID-secure, meaning that you are
keeping up to date with the latest guidance and that you have put measures
in place to manage the risk and protect workers, visitors and customers. An
important part of this process is to complete regular risk assessments of
your workplace. Each time that there is a change in Government guidance you
should review your Covid-19 risk assessment forms, to check that your
business is still managing the risk and that the measures that your
business has put in place are being followed.
Recommendations from the Construction Leadership Council.
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has recommended that where
possible workers should try not to share a vehicle with those outside the
household or support bubble.
If workers have no option but to share transport, they should try to:
-
share with the same individuals and with the minimum number of people
(up to a maximum of 6) at any one time;
-
keep the windows open;
-
travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them,
where seating arrangements allow;
-
maximize the distance between people;
-
wear a face covering; and
-
the vehicle should be cleaned between journeys, especially touch
points, using gloves and standard cleaning products.
It is also recommended that site personnel do not eat their lunch in shared
vehicles.
New rules for retail premises in Wales from 20th January
2021.
All retail stores in Wales are required to:
-
introduce measures for controlling entry to the premises and limiting
the number of customers who are on the premises at any one time;
-
provide hand sanitisation products or hand washing facilities for use
by customers when they enter and exit the premises;
-
introduce measures to sanitise any baskets, trolleys or similar
containers provided for use by customers on the premises;
-
remind customers to maintain distance of 2m between each other and wear
a face covering. This should be done by displaying signs and other
visual aids and making announcements on a regular basis.
The
COVID-19 Return to Work Shop Example Risk Assessment Form
has been updated to include tighter measures in respect of the above.
Carrying out a COVID-19 Risk Assessment
The worked example risk assessment forms are designed to help assessors get
started when they carry out a risk assessment for their particular premises
and should only be used as a guide/hints list when applying the
COVID-19 Return to Work Blank Risk Assessment Form
to their own particular locations. The Blank Risk Assessment Form is
available in the
COVID-19 Return To Work Risk Assessment
documents. The idea of these worked examples is to prompt the
identification of hazards, those at risk, controls undertaken and further
actions. These worked examples are based on hypothetical situations.
It is imperative that any risk assessment is specific to each business,
location, department and staff member and that all measures, controls and
actions are carried out and not just recorded on the form. It is important
to make sure that “you have done enough” in your risk assessment.
These documents are also available in the
Employment Documents Folder
.
The contents of this Newsletter are for reference purposes only and do not constitute
legal advice. Independent legal advice should be sought in relation to any specific
legal matter.