As the HSE clamps down on employers, how Covid-secure is your workplace?

With an increase in both inspection and enforcement activity by the HSE and local authorities, we look at what you can do to keep your workplace Covid-secure, employees safe and how to avoid potential warnings or prosecution.

Current position

Back in the autumn of 2020, employees were encouraged to return to work as lockdown restrictions loosened. But since the start of January 2021, the message in lockdown 3.0 is ‘work from home if you can’. Some employees, though, have no choice about where they work – they may be an essential worker or they may be required to attend their workplace because they cannot physically carry out their job from home.

Whether at home or at work - employers are under a legal duty to ensure their employees and any visitors’ health, safety and welfare is protected.  Notwithstanding the fact that this is a disease that is prevalent in the community, employers must still take action to ensure adequate control measures are in place in the workplace to guard against the risk of transmission.

Employers are under a legal duty to ensure their employees and any visitors’ health,
safety and welfare is protected.

As well as spot checks, employees are worried about returning to work and are reporting concerns about non-compliance to the authorities.

Disclaimer

This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024.

 


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