Health and safety spot checks and inspections during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Health and Safety Executive is carrying out spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses in all areas to ensure they are COVID-secure.
The Health and Safety Executive is making calls so they can give expert advice on how to manage the risks and protect workers, customers and visitors. They are also working closely with local authorities, assisting them in the sectors they regulate such as hospitality and retail.
By calling and visiting premises and speaking directly to employers, it can be checked that the measures put in place are in line with government guidance.
Inspectors will make COVID-secure checks as part of their normal role in visiting workplaces during the pandemic. To ensure as many workplaces are reached as possible nationally and support the core work of our inspectors, the Health and Safety Executive is working with trained and approved partners to deliver the spot check calls and visits.
Officers that visit premises will be carrying identification from their business and a letter of authorisation from HSE. If you wish to verify an officer that calls or visits your organisation, please call 0300 790 6896.
If you receive a call or visit, you should participate in the spot check as failure to do so could lead to enforcement action.
As well as participating in the phone calls and visits, there are sensible and proportionate steps you should take to help keep your workplace COVID-secure, including:
carrying out a COVID-19 risk assessment
maintaining social distancing
keeping your workplace clean, with handwashing and hygiene procedures
The following video explains:
how spot inspections work
what needs to be checked
how the inspections can help you keep your workplace COVID-secure
actions inspectors will take if employers are not managing the risk of COVID spreading