Council launch Covid safety spot checks for Buckinghamshire businesses

As cases rise in the area they will be giving businesses support and guidance around regulations.

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 16th Oct 2020

Last week Buckinghamshire Council urged residents to remain safe as cases rise.

With the number of positive coronavirus cases rising in some areas of the county, Buckinghamshire Council has announced their environmental health teams will be working to offering support for businesses.

Alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) they will provide extra support and advice around Covid guidelines.

Together they are contacting businesses directly to help them take the right precautions to help stop the spread of Covid in Buckinghamshire.

During the checks businesses will get support and guidance which will help them to manage Covid risk and protect their staff, customers and visitors. Some businesses such as hairdressers and barbers need to put extra adjustments in place to help limit the spread of coronavirus. For further information on how to manage the risk of coronavirus in different business sectors please read the government guidance.

Councillor Fred Wilson, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services at Buckinghamshire Council said:

"We have been seeing a rise in the number of people testing positive in some parts of Buckinghamshire. We all have a part to play to help everyone stay safe and protect Buckinghamshire. Whilst the vast majority of businesses are taking their responsibilities really seriously, we need every single one to do their bit to help us to control the risk and protect people from the spread of coronavirus.

"In the coming weeks, we will be talking to local businesses in Buckinghamshire to offer helpful advice and to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity. All businesses are in scope for these spot checks. So any businesses of any size, in any sector could get a call or a visit."

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: 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.