The HSE’s Stance on Social Distancing

With more businesses slowly being given the go ahead to open their premises, It is a challenge to make sure that guidelines are being followed. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has given clarification of what actions they would take if your business is found to be non – compliant.

Helpful guidance - To try and make things as straightforward on business owners as possible, the HSE they have released guidelines to be followed. It covers topics such as social distancing and how to implement the 2-metre distancing rules.

Make changes – There are many points to consider making sure that the workplace is a safe environment for both employee’s, visitors, and customers. Control measures will address the layout, changing the flow of movement, marking floors, displaying signage, and using protective barriers together with screens, as necessary.

The HSE has made it clear that if they receive a complaint or the inspectors find during an inspection that the premises are found to be non-compliant, they will take the necessary enforcement actions which will depend on the severity, this could be either:

  1. Advisory (Verbal)
  2. Written Enforcement Notice
  3. Written Prohibition Notice

Extra points to consider

Monitoring this is an absolute must. It will not be acceptable to simply display signage and assume that persons will follow these measures correctly. It is important to review regularly how customers and staff are following these measures and make any necessary changes as appropriate.

Wearing a mask should only be used as a last resort only and does not replace the social distancing rules.