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HSE joins forces with local authorities for spot checks and inspections

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is collaborating with local authorities, like Sefton Council, in checking businesses to make sure they are COVID-secure.

Sefton is part of the Liverpool City Region that has been placed in the highest lockdown tier following discussions between central and local government.

HSE inspectors and Sefton Council’s environmental health officers have been conducting spot checks and inspections on businesses from construction sites and factories to bars and restaurants in the area to check they are following government guidelines.

Being COVID-secure means putting measures in place to manage the risk from coronavirus to protect workers, visitors and customers.

During the checks, we provide advice and guidance to help businesses implement work practices that reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. Where businesses are not managing this, enforcement action can be taken.

Collaboration work between other local authorities and HSE on being COVID-secure is continuing across the country.

Please ensure your workplace is safe, by following the guidance on being COVID-secure and by visiting our spot checks and inspections page.

Details on very high alert levels in Greater Manchester

From Friday 23 October 00:01, Greater Manchester moved from local COVID alert level high to local alert level very high. These measures will be reviewed every 14 days to consider whether they are still appropriate.

New local restrictions effective in Greater Manchester include the following:

• People must not socialise with anybody they do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events
  
  
• People must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue
  
  
• All pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals
  
  
• People should try to avoid travelling outside the very-high alert level or entering a very-high alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey
  
  
• Residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the Very High Alert area

Get further guidance on what restrictions apply within Very High Alert areas.

COVID updates and guidance

HSE has published a range of coronavirus-related guidance and information, which you may find useful.

It includes:

• Social distancing in the workplace
  Make sure you are keeping people apart to help reduce the spread of coronavirus coronavirus – this can help ensure your workplace is COVID-secure
  
  
• PPE, fit testing and RPE
  Advice on PPE in health and social care and non-healthcare work

For all the latest information and advice visit our coronavirus pages

UK Transition: Transition Webinars

The UK has left the EU and is leaving the EU single market and customs union. The end of the transition period will affect chemicals businesses. Your business should take action now to prepare.

HSE is participating in a 'UK Transition Business Webinar for Chemicals businesses' at 11am on Monday 2 November (and then available on demand).

Register for the webinar 

You can find out more and register for all other transition webinars here