Spot checks to be carried out at Harborough businesses to make sure that they are not breaking Covid-19 guidelines

Spot checks are to be carried out at scores of businesses across Harborough to make sure that they are not breaking strict Covid-19 guidelines.

Harborough District Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a bid to ensure that local companies are Covid-secure.

The authority is one of the first councils in England to get behind the initiative as coronavirus cases start to rise again nationwide.

Harborough council will also support local public health authorities in using statistics to pinpoint emerging patterns in virus cases locally.

During the visits, health and safety officers will provide advice and guidance to manage risk as well as protecting workers, customers and visitors.

Businesses which are not following the guidance face “further action”, the council said.

This can range from handing out specific advice, issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe.

Businesses which fail to comply face prosecution, the council is warning.

For further information on how to manage the risk of coronavirus in different business sectors you can read the Government guidance here: www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Cllr Phil King, who heads up Harborough council, said: “We are talking to local businesses and inspecting sites in and around Harborough district 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 Harborough district.

“It is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm.

“This includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from the coronavirus.

“This means making business adjustments to become Covid-secure.”

He added: “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 that bosses across the board are commonly:

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.

“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,” stressed Cllr King.

“By making sure 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.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, the leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Harborough council, said: ''I have spoken at length over recent weeks with senior officers at Harborough council about the coronavirus.

“We have particularly discussed taking every opportunity to assist local businesses in ensuring that vigilance is at the highest level to make sure everything possible is being done to fight Covid-19.

“Sometimes even the smallest lapse can result in exposing people to Covid.”

The veteran health campaigner added: “We must ensure the basics are being implemented – such as proper hand hygiene, social distancing and face coverings.

“But we must also be constantly monitoring other opportunities to beat Covid-19 and to protect ourselves, our family, friends, colleagues and communities.''

For the latest information and safer business guidance check out: www.gov.uk