Employers failing to enforce social distancing measures may face work suspensions and fines, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned.
In a joint statement with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry, the HSE stated it would take action against employers not adhering to social distancing and similar protocols. Potential consequences include advice, enforcement notices, fines for regulation breaches, or prohibition notices that shut down parts or all of a site.
The HSE also urged workers to report COVID-19 safety concerns to the HSE or local authorities if issues couldn't be resolved through their employer or trade union. The HSE had suspended routine inspections due to coronavirus safety concerns.
The statement emphasized that most employers are making significant efforts to ensure social distancing where possible. It also noted that firms that can operate safely and support livelihoods should not be closed due to misunderstandings of government guidelines.
Guidelines from Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council mandate a minimum of two meters distance between workers. However, Construction News reported that many employees continue to work despite the inability to implement social distancing on site, with some workers' concerns being ignored or dismissed by senior colleagues.
In a joint statement with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry, the HSE stated it would take action against employers not adhering to social distancing and similar protocols. Potential consequences include advice, enforcement notices, fines for regulation breaches, or prohibition notices that shut down parts or all of a site.
The HSE also urged workers to report COVID-19 safety concerns to the HSE or local authorities if issues couldn't be resolved through their employer or trade union. The HSE had suspended routine inspections due to coronavirus safety concerns.
The statement emphasized that most employers are making significant efforts to ensure social distancing where possible. It also noted that firms that can operate safely and support livelihoods should not be closed due to misunderstandings of government guidelines.
Guidelines from Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council mandate a minimum of two meters distance between workers. However, Construction News reported that many employees continue to work despite the inability to implement social distancing on site, with some workers' concerns being ignored or dismissed by senior colleagues.