Health and safety regulator receives over 4,500 complaints in 3 months as more businesses plan to reopen
As lockdown measures begin to ease, businesses up and down the country are planning to reopen. As more and more people return to work and a degree of normality is restored, company owners and employees are adapting to new ways of working. While many have transitioned successfully, since March 2020, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has received more than 4,500 complaints.
A representative for the HSE confirmed that the body is now working through complaints filed between the 9th March and the 3rd May.
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Health and safety guidelines in the Covid-19 era
Over the last few months, businesses have adjusted to a new setup, with some furloughing workers, many operating remotely and others running new or modified services. The Covid-19 crisis has undoubtedly impacted companies and organisations, and health and safety has become a subject of great interest for employers, employees and consumers. With millions of people locked down between March and June, the key to survival for business owners lies in being able to embrace new legislation and guidelines to welcome customers back and keep staff safe. There have already been more than 4,500 complaints from employees worried about their safety and wellbeing, and the HSE is keen to stress that employers that don’t follow the rules will face the consequences.
Under new guidelines, which have been released across different industries and sectors, businesses are preparing to relaunch. Retailers are up and running, there is hope that hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars will open again soon, and offices are welcoming those who have been based at home back. Social distancing remains a key concern for businesses, with owners asked to separate employees as much as possible and to limit shopper numbers to reduce social contact. Hygiene is also critical, with many businesses offering hand sanitiser on entry and enforcing robust infection control and cleaning measures. Shoppers have also been advised to stay away if they do have virus symptoms and to pass on details of potential contacts through the test and trace system to encourage others who may have been infected to isolate.
Additional concerns for businesses
The focus is very much on Covid-19 at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that businesses can relax existing health and safety measures. Guidelines related to slips and trips, workplace injuries and protecting members of the public should still be prioritised. Studies suggest that slips, trips and falls cost the UK economy almost £1 billion per year. Business owners are advised to carry out regular risks assessments to identify and address hazards and to take steps to reduce the risk of falls, such as replacing old flooring and looking for new anti-slip options from companies providing the leading resin floors. Additional measures include installing ramps, ensuring stairwells are well-lit and using warning signs to alert people to risks. In the aftermath of the lockdown, work-related stress could also be an increasingly pertinent issue for employers. A survey by Ginger, a US mental health provider, revealed that 70% of employees consider the Covid-19 crisis the most stressful period of their career. Providing support will be critical in the months to come.
Right across the country, businesses are opening their doors and employees are heading back to work. As measures are eased, employers are urged to prioritise health and safety and employees are encouraged to raise concerns if they feel unsafe.