Coronavirus: Council and HSE make sure businesses have measures to minimise virus spread

Shropshire Council’s health protection team is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to make sure businesses have measures in place to help minimise the spread of coronavirus.

During the spot checks, which start on Monday 29 November 2021, our teams will provide advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors. 

However, if businesses are not managing this, action will be taken. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, or stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. 

The checks will focus on hospitality businesses in the run up to Christmas. 

As part of its activity, HSE will also check that businesses have measures in place to manage work-related stress and to support workers.  

Spot checks

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:-

“Our teams are talking to local businesses, and visiting and inspecting sites in and around Shropshire, to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.  

“Managing the risk of spreading the virus in the workplace needs to be the priority for all businesses in Shropshire. 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 the virus.  

“This means making business adjustments to stop the spread of the virus in the workplace. We advise employers to work with their staff when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.” 

HSE and council inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors, that include failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.  

Rachel Robinson added:-

“All businesses are in scope for spot checks, which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are working safely to manage the risk of spreading the virus. By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national economy.” 

For the latest information and safer business guidance, click here.