This bulletin has been provided to us by the HSE.
Checking businesses are COVID-secure
HSE are contacting businesses to make sure workplaces are COVID-secure to help tackle the local outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, HSE has contacted approximately 10,000 businesses to check if they are COVID-secure, and 5,700 proactive spot inspections have been completed. In addition, HSE has also dealt with over 3,300 COVID concerns raised by members of the public.
Following work in other regions, HSE is currently working alongside Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and local public health authorities to support the understanding of any patterns in the confirmed coronavirus cases in the area. Inspectors are putting duty holders and employers on the spot and ensuring that they are complying with the latest Safer Workplace guidance relevant to their sector. You can read more here.
Businesses and staff need to be aware that HSE can call by phone or turn up at your premises to conduct a COVID-secure spot check or inspection at any time, and you must cooperate and engage with our inspectors.
Being COVID-secure is important in the fight against the spread of coronavirus. HSE will take appropriate action where they find employers are not implementing the appropriate measures to deal with the risks posed by coronavirus in the workplace. Businesses can do this by following these five practical steps.
Test and trace support for businesses and employers
The NHS Test and Trace service supports businesses and economic recovery by:
- providing free testing for anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus
- asking those that test positive and their close contacts to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus in the workplace
- enabling the government to go further in safely lifting lockdown measures
If a worker develops symptoms, even if they are mild, they should request a free test immediately. If they test positive for coronavirus they’ll be asked to provide details of anyone who they have been in close recent contact with to the NHS Test and Trace service.
You can find more information on NHS Test and Trace on GOV.UK
Guidance is also available outlining the COVID-19 contact tracing arrangements for workplaces in Scotland and Wales.
Coronavirus guidance and advice
HSE has published a range of guidance and information, which you may find useful.
It includes:
- Cleaning and hygiene
How to clean your workplace to reduce risk from coronavirus - Hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants
How to use, manufacture and supply hand sanitiser and disinfectant products for the workplace
For all the latest information and advice visit our coronavirus microsite.
Being COVID-secure: stakeholder feedback required
We want to hear about measures you have put in place relating to social distancing, cleaning and hygiene and risk assessment.
Tell us about what you have done by emailing us here
Published on Thursday 13th August 2020