The HSE Inspector or Local Authority Inspector will ask a series of questions to determine whether you are managing risk effectively, and you will need to make sure you are familiar with your arrangements so that you can answer confidently. This might include:

• Did you conduct a risk assessment before opening? If so, who produced it, and did you collaborate with others, including employee representatives, when identifying risk and deciding on appropriate measures?
• Was the risk assessment documented? If so, have the findings been shared with employees, and do you have any acknowledgement that they have read and understand what they must do?
• How are you ensuring the specific controls mentioned in your risk assessment are being adhered to and remain effective? An Inspector will check that the measures you have committed to are indeed in place, so it is important that regular monitoring checks are conducted. Are there sufficient stocks of soap and hand sanitiser? Is your cleaning regime being followed? Are people working in a socially-distanced way and, where it is necessary for them to work closer, are other mitigating measures in place such as no face-to-face working and keeping time to a minimum? Is pedestrian flow being managed through separate entrances and exits, one-way systems and staggered work times?
• Has the risk assessment been kept up to date? Your risk assessment should be dated and reviewed regularly, including whenever there is a significant change to your business practices or personnel, new or updated government guidance, or if there is reason to believe your controls are no longer effective.
• What is your policy surrounding workers who may be displaying symptoms of coronavirus? You should have a clear Emergency Action Plan in place detailing your response to any suspected or confirmed cases. Importantly, symptomatic employees should not feel under any pressure to attend the workplace and should understand exactly what is expected of them. Remember, COVID-19 incidents may also need to be reported under RIDDOR, so you will need arrangements in place to investigate whether this is required in each case.
• Who are your competent person(s)? By law, all employers must have access to one or more ‘competent persons’ – someone who has “sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities” to recognise risks and identify solutions. If you don’t have somebody suitable in house, you can appoint an external professional.