Coronavirus: Updated guidance from the Health & Safety Executive

Last Updated: 14:30pm, 23nd July 2021

23 July 2021

Having good ventilation will help reduce COVID-19 transmission at work HSE's updated guidance will help you identify poor ventilation in work areas and take practical steps to improve it. This can help reduce the risk of COVID19 spreading in your workplace.

The HSE's updated guidance includes a new video setting out the key advice, and there is information on:

• identifying poorly ventilated areas and using CO2 monitors
• improving natural ventilation
• how to improve mechanical ventilation
• air cleaning and filtration units
• ventilation in work vehicles

The HSE also have some examples of how businesses have improved ventilation to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. 

Working safely after some COVID-19 restrictions are removed

On 19 July England is moving to Step 4 of the roadmap, including the removal of some coronavirus restrictions.

However, you must still control the risks and review and update your risk assessment.

This recently published webpage outlines the following:

• controls to use after some restrictions are removed
• other measures to help reduce workplace transmission
• different approaches and timescales for removal of restrictions in Scotland and Wales

There is UK government guidance on working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance from Step 4 covering a range of different types of work.You can also stay up to date with the latest information on any changes related to working safely during the pandemic, following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

You can find a full range of COVID-related information and advice on the HSE's coronavirus pages.[tela_accordion title="19 March 2021"]

Advice on keeping workplaces safe as COVID restrictions are eased

HSE has produced a signposting page that provides the latest information on any changes related to workplace safety following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The page on keeping workplaces safe as restrictions are eased covers the government's roadmap out of lockdown and advice on returning to work safely.It also explains which restrictions are not changing and provides details of advice from public health bodies and other government departments on requirements not enforced by HSE:

• mass asymptomatic testing in education settings
• workplace testing
• NHS Test and Trace
• vaccinations
• face coverings
• Read the HSE's new signposting guide so you can ensure your workplace remains COVID-secure as restrictions are eased.

Update on spot inspections in the transport and logistics sector

Since December, the HSE has been working with local authorities to carry out spot inspections on businesses in the transport and logistics sector.

This is to check businesses are continuing to manage the risk of COVID-19 during periods of high demand such as Christmas and during the sales. It's important to make sure that goods can be quickly and safely despatched to stores and to customers via home delivery.Most sites that were visited by inspectors were found to have COVID-secure measures in place and our inspectors picked up on good practice being demonstrated on many of their visits. Notably, from a COVID-secure perspective, provision for access to toilets, handwashing facilities, and rest areas has been particularly good, with arrangements made for visiting drivers to safely access site facilities.Other good examples of COVID-secure measures that were seen on a number of the sites include:

• Active monitoring (e.g. by COVID marshals) to ensure staff were following procedures.
• Limiting numbers of workers in canteens and break rooms to allow social distancing.
• Provision of COVID-kits to drivers including hand sanitiser and wipes.
• Grouping workers who typically work closely together.
• Providing delivery notes to drivers electronically in their cabs rather than requiring them to visit the transport office.
• Staggering shift starts to reduce congestion at entry points.
• Rearranging desks and fitting screens in offices so that office workers could work safely.

These demonstrate some novel ways used by businesses to implement COVID-secure measures and manage the risk of transmission for workers, visitors and others.There were also areas for improvements across some sites, such as poor ventilation in office spaces, lack of a site-specific risk assessment, and hand sanitiser being too far away from workstations to be used regularly. Inspectors also noted a number of workplace transport issues which included:

• Poor marking of pedestrian routes.
• Footpaths being blocked.
• Inadequate controls to prevent vehicle driveaway incidents.

Inspectors provided verbal advice or took enforcement action where there was a serious risk of harm to workers on site. In most cases, issues were quickly resolved during the inspection.

Being COVID-secure means businesses need to keep up to date with the latest guidance and put measures in place to manage the risk and protect workers, visitors, and customers.

15 January 2021

Spot checks and inspections continuing during Coronavirus pandemic

The HSE is continuing to conduct spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses and workplaces.

With the increase in the number of coronavirus cases and the national lockdown restrictions now in place, all businesses that continue to operate must ensure their workplace is COVID-secure.To protect workers, visitors and customers, employers must make sure that everyone is following the measures that have been put in place to manage the risks from Coronavirus.During lockdown, the HSE will continue to carry out spot checks and inspections on businesses and will be increasing the number of calls and visits to check COVID-secure measures have been implemented in accordance with government guidance.

This includes all businesses which are continuing to operate with people coming into the workplace during this critical period.During the calls and visits, the HSE provides advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers and visitors, but where businesses are not managing this, the HSE have made it clear that they will take immediate action. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.

Being COVID-secure means businesses need to keep up to date with the latest guidance and put measures in place to manage the risk and protect workers, visitors and customers

14 January 2021

Protect homeworkers during the Coronavirus pandemic

If you have people working from home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the HSE has advice for employers to follow.

Issues you should consider include:

• lone working without supervision
• working with display screen equipment (DSE)
• keeping in touch to recognise signs of stress and mental health problems

Read their advice on how to deal with these issues.It should also be noted that employers must provide and pay for eye tests for any employees that are display screen equipment (DSE) users - workers who use DSE daily, for an hour or more at a time.

COVID updates and guidance

The HSE has published a range of coronavirus-related guidance and information, which you may find useful.

It includes:

• Vulnerable workers How to protect workers in high-risk groups, clinically extremely vulnerable people and pregnant workers.
• First aid Requirements in non-healthcare settings during the outbreak, as well as first aid cover and qualifications at this time.
• RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19Guidance on on when you should make a RIDDOR report of COVID-19

For all the latest information and advice visit the HSE's Coronavirus site.7 January 2021

Updated advice on protecting clinically extremely vulnerable workers

Employers should consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) and put controls in place to reduce that risk.

The HSE's page on how to protect vulnerable workers during the pandemic has been updated to reflect the new national restrictions. From 5 January the government says that anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should not attend work and should only work from home, as coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country.

You can find guidance on who is clinically extremely vulnerable and what further support may be available from Public Health England, Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Wales.

The HSE's page on protecting vulnerable workers during the pandemic also includes advice on:

• supporting workers in higher-risk groups
• accessing COVID-secure precautions
• pregnant workers

Working safely during the Coronavirus pandemic

With Coronavirus rates rising rapidly across the UK, national lockdown rules have been introduced.

See the GOV.UK advice on how national lockdown rules apply in England.Find out what the rules are in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.The HSE has a range of guidance and advice, which you may find useful to protect people from the risk of COVID-19, whether they can still attend work or are working from home.

The HSE's guidance on working safely during the coronavirus pandemic includes practical measures you can take that to ensure your workplace is COVID-secure.

It includes information on:

• social distancing
• ventilation and air conditioning
• cleaning, hygiene and handwashing

For all the latest information and advice visit the HSE's Coronavirus site.21 December 2020

Ventilation and air conditioning during the pandemic

The law requiring employers to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air in the workplace has not changed during the pandemic. Good ventilation, together with social distancing, keeping your workplace clean and frequent handwashing, can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

HSE's updated ventilation and air conditioning guidance will help you identify poorly ventilated areas of your workplace and provides steps to take to improve ventilation. It will apply in most workplaces and includes guidance on:

• balancing ventilation with keeping people warm
• identifying poorly ventilated areas
• how to improve ventilation
• ventilation in vehicles

Using power tools: avoiding the need for RPE during the pandemic

HSE has published advice explaining alternative ways of working to reduce risk, which may mean you no longer need to use respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for working with power tools.

There is guidance explaining the control measures employers should consider when dealing with supply issues of personal protective equipment, including RPE, during the pandemic.

The HSE's new guidance on RPE and using power tools outlines control measures, including using alternative ways of working, to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances. It offers advice on some common construction tasks where power tools such as the following are used:

• power or masonry drills
• cut-off saws
• handheld pneumatic breakers or jackhammers
• core drills
• angle grinders

Putting in place improved control measures may mean that you no longer need to use RPE or can use RPE with a lower assigned protection factor (APF).

If you're operating over the Christmas period, make sure your business is COVID-secure

During the busy festive period, it's really important to continue to make sure workplaces are COVID-secure and workers are following the measures in place.

The HSE's COVID-secure website will help businesses keep up to date with the latest guidance, have measures in place to manage the risk from coronavirus, and protect workers, visitors and customers.To check businesses are following the guidance, HSE will continue to carry out spot checks and inspections by calling and visiting businesses in the run up to Christmas.27 July 2020

Disinfecting premises during the Coronavirus outbreak

You can help to control the spread of COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting a larger space or room.

Fog, mist, vapour or UV treatments may be suitable options for cleaning and disinfecting larger spaces, in order to help control the spread of Coronavirus.

Any use of these treatments for these purposes should form part of your COVID-19 risk assessment, while users must be competent and properly trained.

Read the HSE's guidance on selecting the correct treatment.

Spot inspections: ensure your workplace is COVID-secure HSE is committed to making sure employers are managing the Coronavirus risks that apply to their workplaces

.HSE inspectors are carrying out spot inspections in cities and towns where there is a Coronavirus outbreak, to check that businesses are COVID-secure.Read this press release to find out more about recent spot inspections on businesses in Bradford.HSE's guide to working safely during the Coronavirus outbreak will help you to manage the risk associated with restarting or running your business during the pandemic.

6 July 2020

COVID-19 risk assessment

Make sure that you properly assess risk and are COVID-Secure

All employers must protect people from harm, which includes taking reasonable steps to protect your workers and others from Coronavirus.

This is called a COVID-19 risk assessment and it will help you manage risk and protect people.

Find out what to include in your COVID-19 risk assessment.

Protecting vulnerable workers during the Coronavirus outbreak

HSE has produced guidance on protecting vulnerable workers from Coronavirus.

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the government has defined some people as clinically extremely vulnerable (shielded).

Shielded workers are at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus.As an employer, you have a legal duty to protect workers from harm. You should make sure you consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus and put controls in place to reduce that risk.

Read the HSE's latest advice and guidance on protecting vulnerable workers from COVID-19.

For further information and advice on the Coronavirus outbreak visit the HSE's website.

Manufacturing: return to work HSE has published guidance for employers and businesses in manufacturing sectors that explains how to continue or restart operations safely.

HSE has published practical advice on manufacturing for employers and businesses to help manage any additional risks caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The new guidance covers:

• safe use of machinery and equipment

• general building safety

• how to protect people from Coronavirus

For more health and safety advice and guidance in the manufacturing sector visit the HSE's microsite.

26 June 2020

Restarting workplace pressure systems safely during the Coronavirus outbreak

If pressure systems have not been used for an extended period of time due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak they may become unsafe.

HSE has published guidance on restarting workplace pressure systems safely.The guidance has information about:

• types of pressure systems
• the examination period
• safety issues to be aware of

For further the latest information and advice on the Coronavirus outbreak visit the HSE's website

25 June 2020

Air conditioning and ventilation

The risk of air conditioning spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace is extremely low.

You can continue using most types of air conditioning system as normal.

However, if you use a centralised ventilation system that removes and circulates air to different rooms, it is recommended that you turn off recirculation and use a fresh air supply.

Find out more about using air conditioning and general ventilation during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Gas safety during the Coronavirus outbreak

HSE has published guidance for landlords, gas engineers and clinically vulnerable (shielded) tenants.

HSE has published information on gas safety with an overview of its guidance during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for:

• landlords
• registered gas engineers
• clinically vulnerable (shielded) tenants

For more gas safety health and safety advice and guidance visit the HSE's microsite, while you can subscribe to receive all the latest domestic gas email updates.

Work-related stress, worker wellbeing and mental health

The Coronavirus outbreak has increased pressure on workers and HSE has resources to help employers support them with stress and mental health conditions.

Planning, training and support can all reduce pressure and bring stress levels down.

The HSE's guidance can help you support employee mental health by managing work-related stress. It includes a talking tool kit to help prevent stress in the changing working environment.There is also advice for line managers to help them support workers with mental health conditions.

Make your workplace COVID-secure

The HSE have published guidance to help you to make changes to your workplace to protect people, assess risk and be 'COVID-secure'...

The HSE's guide will help you to manage the risk associated with restarting or running your business during the outbreak across a number of topics, including the latest advice on:

• assessing risk
• social distancing in the workplace
• cleaning and hygiene

8 May 2020

NHS test and trace: workplace guidance

The NHS test and trace service is designed to support economic recovery and help businesses work safely.

The Test and Trace service will help to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging as restrictions on everyday life are eased.It is vital that employers play their part to make their workplace COVID-secure and encourage workers to follow any notifications to self-isolate.

Employers have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of their workers and should follow the safer workplace guidance on GOV.UK

Using PPE and face masks at work

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, HSE has worked with others to develop guidance about PPE (personal protective equipment).

They have a page that signposts specific advice for workers and employers on taking steps to protect people during the Coronavirus outbreak. This includes:

• PPE in health and social care (including fit testing masks)
• PPE in non-healthcare businesses

Hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants

HSE has guidance for employers who are providing hand sanitiser in their workplaces, and for existing and new manufacturers of hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants.

Their guidance has information on how HSE regulates these biocidal products and includes:

• choosing the right hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants
• manufacturing and supplying hand sanitisers (PDF)
• manufacturing and supplying surface disinfectants (PDF)

13 May 2020

Guidance from the government published

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published guidance to help employers keep their workplaces operating safely during this time.

The latest guidance covers eight workplace settings:

• construction and other outdoor work
• factories, plants and warehouses
• other people's homes
• labs and research facilities
• offices and contact centres
• restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
• shops and branches
• vehicles

Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you should do to keep people safe. See also our note on: How do companies now remain 'COVID-secure', covering some of the considerations that businesses need to review in re-opening their workplaces.

Working safely during the Coronavirus outbreak

The HSE's new guidance will help you keep workers safe (COVID secure) during the outbreak.

It covers the steps you should take to protect workers and others, in line with your normal legal duties in managing risk and risk assessment at work.The following guides will help you manage the risk from Coronavirus in your business during this time:

• Working safely during the Coronavirus outbreak - a short guideThis guide covers who should work, protecting those at higher risk, getting into and leaving work, organising work areas, and good hygiene.
• Talking with your workers about working safely during the Coronavirus outbreakGuidance on consulting your workers and measures to prevent Coronavirus in your workplace and to make it COVID secure.

Getting advice on CoronavirusIf you need help and advice on how to protect people from Coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace, you can contact:

• your employee representative
• your trade union if you have one
• HSE using their working safely enquiry form[ela_accordion]

24 April 2020

Advice to distribution centres and other sites on maintaining social distancing for drivers

Loading and unloading goods vehicles can put drivers and other workers at risk. It is important to consider all risks to the health, safety, and welfare of drivers delivering to and collecting from sites, and take reasonable and practical steps to safeguard drivers and mitigate risk to their health and safety.

Many duty holders manage the safety of visiting drivers in line with HSE Guidance by providing a dedicated waiting area with welfare facilities for drivers.

This helps to reduce the risks of unintended drive-away incidents during loading or unloading and of drivers being struck by fork lift trucks or other vehicles if they are walking around the site.

At the current time, it is important to maintain social distancing as much as possible to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and Public Health England guidelines on social distancing should be followed. Those in control of premises should think about how they maintain social distancing for visiting drivers while also ensuring that they have access to welfare facilities on site.

If existing facilities allow drivers to maintain social distancing, there may be no need to make any changes. However, if social distancing cannot be maintained, it may be safer, as a temporary measure for drivers to remain in their cab during loading or unloading or waiting areas to be relocated.If changes are made to current arrangements, further consideration will need to be given to how pedestrians and vehicles can continue to circulate in a safe manner, avoiding the risk of drive-away incidents and how drivers can be allowed to safely access welfare facilities if required.

Visiting drivers must follow the arrangements that the duty holder has put in place and follow the government's advice on hand washing.

Protecting lone workers

Due to social distancing, lone working has become far more common.

The HSE have guidance for employers to keep lone workers healthy and safe.

The HSE's recently revised leaflet Protecting lone workers: How to control the risks of working alone is for anyone who employs lone workers, or engages them as contractors etc, including self-employed people or those who work at home.

It has been updated to include advice on work-related violence, keeping in touch, and the impact of lone working on stress and mental health.

Coronavirus - open letter to the food industry

HSE has released an open letter to the food industry in response to concerns that have been raised.

The letter addresses specific concerns raised by bakeries but is of relevance to the whole of the food industry.

HSE are constantly reviewing how we can support the national effort to tackle COVID-19 and continue to protect Britain's workforce. In support of the Government and to help businesses and workers, the HSE are clarifying and promoting guidance for those (including workers in the food industry) continuing to work away from home.

View the letter in full 17 April 2020

Social distancing guidelines

HSE has produced guidelines on how businesses must maintain social distancing and protect workers during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The guidance explains what employers must do in order to protect their workers and keep their businesses open. It covers:

• social distancing (employers who have people in their offices or onsite should ensure that employees are able, where possible, to follow the appropriate regulations and/or guidance for England, Scotland and Wales on social distancing)
• essential and non-essential work
• safe in-work activity

Construction specific advice has also been provided to the industry through the Construction Leadership Council (CLC).

The latest version (V3) of CLC's 'Site Operating Procedures - Protecting Your Workforce During Coronavirus (COVID-19)' can be downloaded at this link.

Examination and testing of lifting and pressure equipment during the Coronavirus outbreak

HSE has published advice to help duty holders ensure their work plant and equipment remain safe to use during the Coronavirus outbreak.

This recognises the potential challenges when carrying out legal requirements for thorough examination and testing (TE&T) of plant and equipment as a result of the additional precautions people need to take to help reduce risk of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

View the HSE's guidance to help industry during this period.

8 April 2020

RIDDOR - reporting Coronavirus (COVID-19)

HSE has issued details of when and how you should report Coronavirus incidents under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).

You must only make a report under RIDDOR, relating to Coronavirus, when:

• an unintended incident at work has led to someone's possible or actual exposure to Coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence
• a worker has been diagnosed as having Coronavirus and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This must be reported as a case of disease.
• a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to Coronavirus.

Visit the HSE website for further details on the above, along with examples.

Coronavirus: joint statement issued

The Health and Safety Executive, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) have issued a joint statement... 

Many workers, union reps and employers have questions and concerns about safe working - especially for those continuing to work away from home.

The joint statement between HSE, the TUC and the CBI is intended to clarify the position, as the health and safety of workers remains paramount.

Employers must continue to provide workers with information about risks to their health and the actions their employers must take, particularly in following Public Health England guidelines on social distancing.

Read the full statement.

Advice for employers with homeworkers

If you have people working from home temporarily as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, HSE has advice for employers to follow.

As an employer, you have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers.Issues you should consider include:

• lone working
• working with display screen equipment (DSE)
• stress and mental health

Read HSE advice on how to deal with these issues.

Regulation of chemicals during the outbreak

HSE is continuing to provide services for regulating chemicals during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The HSE have made some administrative changes for each of the chemical regimes. Follow the appropriate link below for more information:

• Plant protection products
• Biocidal products
• PIC
• REACH and CLP

The HSE also have further information applying to all regimes, which you can view here.

Social distancing guidelines issued

HSE has produced guidelines on how businesses must maintain social distancing and protect their staff during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The guidance explains what employers must do in order to protect their workers and keep their businesses open and it covers:

• social distancing
• essential and non-essential work
• safe in-work activity

Read the guidelines for more information

4 April 2020

Coronavirus: A joint statement between HSE, the TUC and the CBI

This is an extremely worrying time for firms and workers. We know many workers, union reps and employers have questions and concerns about safe working - especially for those continuing to work away from home.

This joint statement between the Health and Safety Executive, the TUC and the CBI is intended to clarify the position. The health and safety of workers remains paramount. Employers must continue to provide workers with information about risks to their health and the actions their employers must take.

Read the full statement here 2 April 2020

Social distancing and keeping business open by working safely

HSE has produced guidelines on how businesses must maintain social distancing and protect their staff during the Coronavirus outbreak.The guidance explains what employers must do in order to keep their businesses open and it covers:

• social distancing
• essential and non-essential work
• safe in-work activity

Read the guidelines for more information

HSE - regulating during the outbreak

The HSE's regulatory approach will take a flexible and proportionate account of the risks and challenges arising from the pandemic.

As Britain's statutory regulator of occupational health and safety, the HSE has taken action to ensure that our important role continues effectively as the Coronavirus situation unfolds.

These actions are being guided by the specific needs and characteristics of the various sectors we regulate and in line with advice from the UK government, Public Health England, Public Health Wales and Health Protection Scotland.

Read more about how HSE is regulating during the Coronavirus outbreak

DSE advice for those temporarily working at home

HSE has advice for those working from home on a temporary basis during the Coronavirus pandemic.

There is no increased risk from display screen equipment (DSE) work for those working at home temporarily, so in that situation employers do not need to do home workstation assessments.

However, the HSE have useful advice to help you reduce DSE risks, including a short video showing how you can achieve a reasonable posture, while temporarily working at home.

Visit their home working page for more information

First aid cover and qualifications during the Coronavirus outbreak

Find out what you can to do to comply with the law if first aid cover is reduced because of Coronavirus.

If first aid cover for your business is reduced because of Coronavirus or you can't get the first aid training you need, there are some things you can do so that you still comply with the law.

Find out more about first aid cover

Research: review of PPE in healthcare settings

HSE and Public Health England (PHE) have produced a rapid review of the evidence supporting the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of Coronavirus.

This work was delivered by HSE for the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and covers two key areas:

• Part one: Equivalence of N95 and FFP2 masks
• Part two: Aprons, gowns and eye protection

View the findings and get further information

Hand sanitiser - manufacture and supply

HSE is helping to ensure manufacturers and supply chains can meet the increased demand for biocidal hand sanitiser products during the outbreak.

HSE is working closely with other government agencies, manufacturers and their trade associations to help ensure they can continue to meet the increased demand for vital Active Substances.

Find out how HSE has taken steps to help deal with this

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Guidance on face fit testing and the measures that should be taken to minimise the risk of Coronavirus transmission

Tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) relies on having a good seal with the wearer's face.

A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer.The HSE's website has advice on how you can minimise the risk of transmission during face-fit testing.

More information is also available in the HSE's publication 'Guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing' (INDG479).

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Advice on homeworking for employers during the Coronavirus outbreak

As an employer, you have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers.

The HSE's website has advice on how you can minimise the risks to their health, which includes information on the following topics:

• Lone working
• Working with display screen equipment (DSE)
• Stress and mental health

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All drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work

There are reports that some drivers are not being allowed to use welfare facilities when they deliver. Preventing access is against the law, equally it's not the sensible thing to do.

Drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work. Those who already provide reasonable access to toilets and handwashing facilities should continue to do so.

With the latest advice for hands to be washed regularly, failure to allow access to welfare facilities may increase the risk of the Coronavirus infection spreading.

Read HSE's guidance here

Temporary and limited relaxation of drivers' hours rules

The Department for Transport (DfT) have today announced that there will be a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of drivers' hours rules in England, Scotland, and Wales for the drivers of vehicles involved in the delivery of:

• food
• non-food (personal care and household paper and cleaning)
• over the counter pharmaceuticals

Driver safety must not be compromised, and they should not be expected to drive whilst tired.  Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees, other road users, and anyone involved in loading and unloading vehicles.These arrangements may change during this time so you need to keep up-to-date on developments.You can find more detailed information at:

• Temporary relaxation of the EU drivers' hours rules
• Coronavirus: guidance on freight transport

Please ensure your workplace is safe by following the guidance on being COVID-secure, for further information on spot checks and inspections visit the Health and Safety Executive website

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If you would like to talk through the consequences for your business, please email us and one of our team will get in touch.