HSE COVID-19 SPOT CHECKS
HSE COVID-19 Spot Checks
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are continuing to carry out spot checks and inspections. They are doing so by calling, visiting, and inspecting all types of businesses to ensure they are continuing to work safely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and following the guidance provided by the HSE and the government. The HSE are also carrying out checks as part of their normal role in visiting workplaces to check people are working safely.
The article below will tell you more about the HSE’s continued spot check programme, what to expect during a spot check, what you must continue doing as an employer, the consequences of failing to comply and finally, the UK Government and Construction Leadership Council Guidance.
The information from this article has been taken directly from the HSE webpage – ‘Health and Safety spot checks and inspections during coronavirus (COVID-19)’
About the Spot Check Programme
The programme provides expert advice to businesses during their calls and visits. The HSE advise businesses on how to manage risk and protect workers, customers, and visitors. The HSE are also regularly working closely with local authorities assisting them in the sectors they regulate in.
The HSE will call or visit the premises. By doing this it means they are talking directly to the employer and can then check that the correct measures are in place and that they are in line with the UK’s government guidance.
What to expect during a spot check?
As mentioned in the start of our article it is important to be aware that HSE inspectors are also continuing to carry out checks as part of their normal role in visiting workplaces to check people are working safely.
The HSE are continuing to work with trained and approved partners to ensure they can reach as many workplaces as possible nationally and support the core work of the HSE inspectors. The approved partners are assisting by undertaking both the spot check calls and visits.
If you have a visit from either one of the HSE’s approved partners or a HSE inspector, the offices will be carrying identification from their business and a letter of authority from HSE if applicable. If you are unsure of an inspector’s legitimacy and you would like to verify them, you can do so by calling 0300 790 6896.
What to expect during a spot check?
As mentioned in the start of our article it is important to be aware that HSE inspectors are also continuing to carry out checks as part of their normal role in visiting workplaces to check people are working safely.
The HSE are continuing to work with trained and approved partners to ensure they can reach as many workplaces as possible nationally and support the core work of the HSE inspectors. The approved partners are assisting by undertaking both the spot check calls and visits.
If you have a visit from either one of the HSE’s approved partners or a HSE inspector, the offices will be carrying identification from their business and a letter of authority from HSE if applicable. If you are unsure of an inspector’s legitimacy and you would like to verify them, you can do so by calling 0300 790 6896.
Consequences for failing to comply
If you do receive a call or visit from the HSE, it is important that you participate in the spot check as failure to follow current health and safety guidance could lead to enforcement action.
During the spot checks if businesses are not managing the risks, the HSE will take immediate action. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work activities until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.
UK Government Guidance
The UK government guidance on working safely provides further information and advice on the measures you should have place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government guidance covers a wide range of different types of work.
The HSE state that you should make sure the measures identified by your risk assessment consider the public health regulations and guidance, please click on the correct hyperlink below for more information for the appropriate guidance for your nation.
You can also find out more about the UK’s latest guidance by clicking GOV.UK guidance.
CLC Guidance
The Site Operating Procedures provided by the Construction Leadership Council is now provided as a reference document for those working in the Construction sector. It is advised that these guidance points are followed.
The CLC guidance covers the following points:
When to go to work, Travelling to work, Driving at work, Site Access and Egress points, Hand Washing, Toilet Facilities, Canteen & Rest areas, Changing Facilities, Showers and Drying Rooms, Work Planning to Avoid Close Working, First Aid and Emergency Service Response and finally, Cleaning.
The Site Operating Procedure reference document can be found by clicking here.