Christmas already seems a distant memory and February is fast approaching. I had almost convinced myself that Spring would not be far off, yet, we face fresh challenges this week following the heavy snowfall over the weekend for much of the UK. A hazardous environment for our workforce but a welcome change of scenery for many.
With the majority of schools and high street businesses closed, I’m reminded that our frontline operatives face a dynamic and challenging environment ranging from the weather to a global pandemic and everything in between.
[[{"fid":"11574","view_mode":"teaser","fields":{"format":"teaser","alignment":"right","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"teaser","alignment":"right","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":375,"width":375,"class":"media-element file-teaser media-wysiwyg-align-right","data-delta":"1"}}]]The HSE continues to remain very active in the fight against Covid-19 in the workplace. This is evidenced through the 32,000 workplace inspections undertaken so far, of which, 4,000 were undertaken across the waste and water sectors. Contractors have been employed to operate on behalf of the HSE to undertake inspections of a variety of workplaces to ensure they remain Covid-secure.
The HSE acknowledge that it is very challenging to enable workplaces to be Covid-secure in the waste industry and recognise the financial pressures faced by Local Authorities in terms of resourcing front line services. Despite the challenges we face as an industry, around 7300 workplace inspections across all industry sectors have resulted in enforcement and advice activity.
I have heard from colleagues across the industry who have had a Covid-secure workplace inspection. These have included inspections of one-way systems, Covid-19 Risk Assessments, revised working procedures, availability of hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities, PPE provision, Covid-19 Signage and engagement with site staff, socially distanced of course.
Whilst the focus for the industry has switched to Covid-19, we must not lose sight of the fact that the HSE continues to operate their annual inspection campaign. Industry workplace inspections are continuing with specific emphasis on ‘workplace transport’ and ‘machinery guarding with the inclusion of ‘lock off procedures’. In November to December 2020, the HSE prosecuted three waste-sector businesses following three fatalities linked to poor machinery guarding and lock off procedures, which is why these areas remain so high on the HSE agenda.
Visits are planned up to the end of March 2021 and I have heard from colleagues across the sector that some of these inspections also include questions around the management of Covid-19. Either way, if you are not operating a Covid-secure workplace then the HSE will take action!
