This bulletin has been provided to us by the HSE.
This latest edition focuses on making sure people working from home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are properly protected. We also have an update on spot checks and inspections in areas where a new Variant of Concern is spreading.
In addition, there is also an array of COVID-19 related advice and information.
Protecting home workers
If you have people working from home as a result of the pandemic, HSE has advice that will help you protect them.
Employers have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers.
When someone is working from home, permanently or temporarily, issues you should consider include:
- lone working without supervision
- working with display screen equipment (DSE) - see our short video
- keeping in touch to recognise signs of stress and mental health problems
Read our advice on how to protect home workers.
COVID-19 spot checks and inspections update: a new Variant of Concern is spreading in some parts of the UK
The Variant of Concern first identified in India has been found in small clusters around the UK. In response, the government is working with relevant local councils on surge testing, and to support these efforts HSE is speaking directly to businesses during spot checks.
HSE is carrying out increased spot checks and inspections in areas where transmission rates are rising, to help arrest the spread of the new Variant of Concern.
During the spot checks and inspections, HSE will provide guidance where required but, where businesses are not managing the risk, immediate action will be taken.
All businesses should have a COVID risk assessment and it should be updated regularly. If you are unsure on the measures you should have in place, please see our guidance on being COVID-secure.
Further information on spot checks and inspections is available on our website.
COVID-19 guidance and updates
HSE's website has the latest coronavirus-related guidance and information.
For a full range of COVID-related information and advice visit HSE’s coronavirus pages. These include information on:
- Social distancing in the workplace
Social distancing means keeping people apart to help reduce the spread of coronavirus - Vulnerable workers
How to protect workers in high-risk groups, clinically extremely vulnerable people and pregnant workers - Keeping workplaces safe as restrictions are eased
Advice on the roadmap out of lockdown, returning to work, vaccination and testing
Further guidance is available for England, Scotland and Wales.
Published on Wednesday 26th May 2021