The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced they are resuming proactive site inspections. They had stopped undertaking their usual spot-check inspections after the UK went into lockdown in March, the decision was taken in order to reduce the risk to employees in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
HSE inspectors still carried out re-active inspections to follow up reports or concerns from employees about their health and safety, in particular reports raised concerning the risk of infection from COVID-19 in the workplace.
The HSE have responded to around 5,000 workplace concerns raised since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the UK on 9 March.
An HSE spokesperson stated: ''Inspectors continue to visit workplaces following up any reports or concerns about safety in the workplace including over COVID and ensuring compliance. On the spot inspections are resuming imminently. As businesses start getting back to work, we can see scope for making further proactive enquiries of employers. We’re pulling together plans as we speak.''
Additional funding up to £14 million has been made available to the HSE to help with extra inspectors, call centre staff and equipment during the easing of the lockdown.
The HSE spokesperson added: ''We’ve been given the encouraging news of access to additional funding to support our advice and regulatory activity as businesses implement the new guidance on working safely during corona virus. The funding will help support HSE’s capability to address an increased number of concerns and enquiries from workers, their families and employers alike.''
As more businesses have returned to work since the easing of lockdown measures and more will be hoping to return to work in the coming weeks, it is important that employers ensure their workplace is safe for employees and any contractors or visitors on site.
The HSE's guidance for employers and those who are self-employed, is designed to help you work safely and control the risks associated with running your business during the coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak, and help facilitate those returning to work.
For more information, see the:
