Spot check inspections to manage COVID risk

SLOUGH: The council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out spot check calls, visits and inspections on businesses, writes James Bagley, Local Democracy Reporter.

The spot checks began on Monday and all sectors in the area were set to be called and visited to make sure they are following Government guidance to manage the risk from coronavirus to workers, visitors, and customers. During the calls and visits, HSE will provide advice and guidance – but where businesses are not managing the risk, immediate action will be taken.

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann (Lab, Britwell and Northborough), lead member of planning and regulations, said: “We will be talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites across Slough to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

“Becoming COVID-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses. 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 become COVID-secure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”

Angela Storey, director of transformation and operational services at HSE, said: “Across the country we are working with local authorities, like Slough Borough Council, to check businesses are COVID-secure and providing support and advice where needed.

“Our spot checks and inspections support the cross-government work in helping employers and employees at work during the pandemic.

“All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check from

HSE or an inspection from the local authority, to check they are COVID-secure.

“If you are contacted by the HSE or your local authority, please engage with us.

“By making sure that 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.”