Unannounced Covid spot checks to be carried out on businesses in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council said it is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses in Chesterfield to offer support and guidance and to check they have Covid-secure measures in place ahead of the easing of restrictions on Monday, April 12.

One reopen, the council said that busineses of any size and in any sector can expect visits and inspections.

During the checks, advice and guidance will be given to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors but where some businesses are not managing this, the council and HSE will take immediate action.

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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.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director for leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “All businesses are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure.

"By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can help to protect the health of the local community at the same time as supporting the local economy.”

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HSE and local authority inspectors are reportedly finding some common issues across a range of sectors including failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.

Mr Waller added: “We are talking to local businesses, visiting and inspecting sites in and around Chesterfield to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

“Becoming Covid-secure is a requirement for businesses in Chesterfield, it is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus.

"We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”

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