HSE Continue Covid 19 Spot Checks

The Health and Safety Executive is continuing to carry out spot checks and inspections by calling, visiting and inspecting all types of businesses in all areas to ensure they are working safely as some coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are removed from 19 July 2021.

You can check the latest GOV.UK guidance. There is also information if you are in an area where a new COVID-19 variant is spreading.  There are different approaches and timescales for removing restrictions (and how that is affected by variants) in Scotland and Wales.

The spot check programme provides expert advice during the calls and visits, advising businesses on how to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors. We are also working closely with local authorities, assisting them in the sectors they regulate such as hospitality and retail.

By calling and visiting premises and speaking directly to employers, we can check the measures they've put in place are in line with UK and devolved government guidance.

Employers must still control the risks and review and update their risk assessment. The following workplace controls remain unchanged:

adequate ventilation
sufficient cleaning
good hand hygiene

You must continue to consult your workforce on health and safety matters, talking to workers and their representatives helps to reduce risk.

You can continue to reduce the risk of transmission during the pandemic by taking measures to limit the number of people your workers are in contact with, for example staggering the times people come into work or go home.

UK government guidance on working safely provides further information and advice on these measures covering a range of different types of work.

Inspectors are also carrying out checks as part of their normal role in visiting workplaces to check people are working safely. To ensure we reach as many workplaces as possible nationally and support the core work of our inspectors, we are working with trained and approved partners to deliver the spot check calls and visits.

Officers that visit premises will be carrying identification from their business and a letter of authorisation from HSE. If you wish to verify an officer that calls or visits your organisation, please call 0300 790 6896.

If you receive a call or visit from HSE, you should participate in the spot check as failure to follow current health and safety guidance could lead to enforcement action.