Cheshire East Council and Health and Safety Executive officers are checking up on local businesses to see if they have Covid-secure measures in place ahead of planned reopening.
CEC has vowed to “take immediate action” on businesses which are not managing risk and protecting workers, customers and visitors.
Officers will issue specific advice and enforcement notices as well as stop certain work practices until they are made safe.
Any businesses failing to comply could face prosecution, says the authority.
Cllr Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “We are talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites all over the borough to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.
“Becoming Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Cheshire East.
“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.
“This means making business adjustments to become Covid-secure.
“We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”
HSE and local authority inspectors are finding common issues across sectors that include:
– failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing
– failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime, particularly at busy times of the day
Cllr Warren added: “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 ensuring that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national UK economy.”
For the latest information and safer business guidance, see www.gov.uk
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