BLOG
HSE carrying out COVID spot checks in transport and logistics sector
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced it is proactively checking whether transport and logistics businesses are COVID-19 secure.
In the build up to the festive period, HSE inspectors are working with local authorities to ensure the transport and logistics industry is effectively managing the risk of coronavirus.
Blog
Lockdowns and tier restrictions have resulted in a big increase in online shopping. The surge in online spending is expected to increase over the next few weeks in the run up to Christmas. This will of course increase the activity of the supply chain businesses to online shopping.
HSE inspectors and local authority officers are therefore visiting warehouses and distribution centres across the country to make sure workplaces are COVID-secure and that relevant guidance is being followed.
COVID-secure businesses will have necessary workplace controls in place, such as social distancing and cleaning arrangements, to manage the risk of infection and protect workers and others from coronavirus. The ongoing spot checks are to ensure businesses have suitable toilet and hand washing facilities for all workers, including visiting drivers. If necessary, other health and safety matters will also be checked.
Free Download: COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template for Vehicles and HGV Drivers
Use our sample risk assessment to document the risk control measures you have introduced to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Information from the visits is to be shared to promote good practice and help the industry meet the combined challenge of COVID and the seasonal surge in demand.
Harvey Wild, Head of the HSE’s Transport and Public Services Unit, says: “The logistics and distribution industry overall has seen a significant increase in business activity over the past few months and, with shops and retail centres closed, there will be a surge in online shopping in the run up to the festive period. As a result of this, we will see an increase in the number of agency and temporary workers in the transport and logistics sector to meet the demand. It’s important that all workers and also customers feel confident that measures are being taken to protect them from COVID-19”.
Legal duty
Mr Wild stresses: “Employers have a legal duty to protect workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. We encourage businesses to consult with their workers on the changes they put in place to become COVID-secure. This is to provide reassurance for workers and to also increase confidence in customers and the local community.”
He adds: “Becoming COVID-secure not only benefits the health of our communities and vital businesses, it is also good for the health of the UK economy.”
The HSE warns that action will be taken if employers are found to be not managing the risk. Action can range from providing specific advice to issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. A business failing to comply can lead to prosecution and criminal conviction.
For more information on ensuring drivers’ welfare at delivery and collection sites during the coronavirus pandemic, visit the HSE website.
Not confident in your COVID compliance?
Our Health & Safety specialists can conduct a full health and safety audit of your premises and practices, review your policies and procedures, and help you maintain safety and compliance throughout the pandemic through a COVID-specific risk assessment, checklists and documentation, e-Learning courses, and practical advice on appropriate controls.
To discuss your needs, call 0345 226 8393 or visit our Coronavirus Advice Hub for access to all our free employer resources, including helpful webinars, practical guides and risk assessment templates.
Sign up for the latest news & insights
Resources
Latest News & Insights
5 key recruitment trends from 2024
BLOG Written by Danielle Fargnoli on 12 December 2024 As 2024 winds down and recruitment slows ahead of the festive season, it’s a perfect time
How Labour’s plans for unfair dismissal will impact performance management
BLOG Written by Alice Brackenridge on 9 December 2024 The Labour government’s anticipated changes to employment law are potentially poised to significantly alter how organisations
Employment status | Bolt drivers case highlights the dangers of treating workers as self-employed
BLOG Written by Chloe Kamutikaoma on 9 December 2024 The issue of employment status has long been a grey area, particularly for workers in the
Redundancy reforms | Labour’s plans to change collective consultation requirements
BLOG Written by Alex Holmes on 2 December 2024 The media has been awash with coverage of Labour’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ since the
School VAT changes | Navigating the HR and employment law implications
BLOG Written by Jane Hallas on 25 November 2024 With 20% VAT set to be added to private school fees from 1 January 2025, removing
HSE statistics 2023/24 | A mixed picture of progress and challenges in workplace safety and health
BLOG Written on 20 November 2024 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual summary statistics for 2023/24, providing fresh insight into the
NICs and zero-hour contracts | How to ready your hospitality business for employment reforms
BLOG Written by Jane Hallas on 19 November 2024 The hospitality sector is facing significant challenges following the recent Autumn Budget. The rise in employers’
Understanding the right to disconnect | What UK school leaders need to know
BLOG Written by Jane Hallas on 18 November 2024 In recent years, the “right to disconnect” concept has gained significant attention across various sectors, including
Preventing sexual harassment | A 10-step approach to risk assessing your workplace
BLOG Written by Beverley Harrison MCIPD on 18 November 2024 A recent poll highlights a concerning reality: 3 in 5 women have experienced some form
