Covid spot checks on businesses continue as restrictions lift
SAFETY FIRST: The city council and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are carrying out Covid checks on businesses
Spot check and inspections to make sure businesses in Hull are Covid-secure are continuing as restrictions ease.
As more businesses reopen, Hull City Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure they are as safe as possible.
The checks and inspections are carried out via calls and visits to all types of businesses to make sure the measures they have put in place to manage the risk from coronavirus are in line with current guidance.
This includes businesses that have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, those that have recently reopened and those due to open in the coming weeks.
Angela Storey, Director of Transformation and Operational services at the HSE, said: “As we come out of lockdown, we are continuing to work with local authorities to check businesses are Covid-secure and providing guidance and advice where needed.
“Our spot checks and inspections support the cross-Government work in helping employers and employees that have worked throughout the pandemic and those returning as lockdown measures ease.
“All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check from the HSE or an inspection to check they are Covid-secure.
“If you are contacted by the HSE or Hull City Council please engage with us.
“By checking businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of local communities, as well as support the local and national UK economy.”
The measures businesses should have in place include:
Risk assessment - Every workplace should have a Covid risk assessment.
Social distancing - Where possible, businesses should keep people two metres apart. If this is not viable, keeping one metre apart with risk mitigation is acceptable.
Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing - Keeping your workplace clean is a critical part of making and keeping a business safe.
Ventilation and air conditioning - Where possible, this can reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Communication with staff - This should include regular updates. Businesses should also consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.
Councillor Gwen Lunn, Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Public Protection at Hull City Council, said: “We will be talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites across Hull to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.
“All business should have Covid-secure measures in place. It is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm, and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus.
“This means making business adjustments to be Covid-secure. We ask employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.
“As changes come throughout the next few months and businesses reopen, our responsibility is to make sure that all measures continue to be taken to keep workers safe as they return to the workplace.”