Employment: Coronavirus

(asked on 23rd October 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans the Health and Safety Executive has to maintain oversight of how employers are (a) meeting their responsibilities in the context of the covid-19 outbreak and (b) equipped to respond effectively to (i) their employees, or members of their supply chain, testing positive for covid-19 or (ii) being close contacts of such a person.


Answered by
Mims Davies Portrait
Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
This question was answered on 2nd November 2020

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to use a blended approach combining communications with policy, sector and operational interventions to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect workers and the public from the risks of Covid-19 in the workplace. This includes continuing spot check work, including on site interventions with employers as well as investigating reported concerns and the most serious reported cases of Covid-19 under the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. Advice on Covid-19 related risks is provided by HSE’s Concerns and Advice Team and up to date guidance and information is available on or via HSE’s website. HSE continues to work closely across government, with the devolved administrations, industry sectors and a range of other stakeholders to enable employers to put practical measures in place to control Covid-19 workplace risks. Where necessary, HSE takes appropriate enforcement action to ensure compliance with health and safety law.

HSE does not have a role in establishing or enforcing the NHS Test and Trace service. However, when responding to queries or concerns, HSE signposts to relevant GOV.UK guidance on NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace which provides advice for employers on supporting employees when they are asked to self-isolate.

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