The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) continues to encourage and enforce covid secure measures in the transport and logistics sector.
In a bulletin released on 20th January 2021 the HSE explained they have been working with local authorities to carry out spot inspections on businesses in the transport and logistics sector. The aim is to ensure the risk of transmission is managed, particularly during busy periods such as Christmas.
For some, the need for improvements has been identified including: poor ventilation in offices, lack of a specific risk assessment, lack of hand sanitiser, poor marking of pedestrian routes, blocked footpaths and inadequate controls to prevent vehicle driveway incidents.
However, most sites visited were said to be demonstrating good practice including provision of access to toilets, hand washing facilities and rest areas, with safe arrangements for visiting drivers to access facilities.
The HSE set out a list of other good examples of covid secure measures they witnessed:
- 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
When carrying out inspections the HSE or local council will provide verbal advice to business owners when necessary, and resolve the issues if possible on site, but those who are not compliant should be aware they can take enforcement action if there is a serious risk of harm.
If you do require assistance in dealing with the HSE concerns, investigations or prosecutions our dedicated and experienced team are on hand to assist you. For more information or to speak to a member of our team call 0161 696 6250 or complete our online enquiry form and someone will contact you as soon as possible in regards to your queries.
Source: HSE eBulletin - Issued 20 January 2021
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