HSE pledges to take action against firms putting employees at risk

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has said it could issue prohibition notices to employers who are not complying with the current social distancing guidance.

HSE pledges to take action against firms putting employees at risk

In a joint statement with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the HSE said “many workers, union reps and employers have questions and concerns about safe working – especially for those continuing to work away from home”.

It has urged anyone who has genuine concerns about health and safety which cannot be resolved through speaking with their employer or trade union to contact the relevant enforcement agency.



The HSE said: “Firms that can safely stay open and support livelihoods should not be forced to close by misunderstandings about government guidance. But if it comes to the HSE’s attention that employers are not complying with the relevant Public Health England guidance (including enabling social distancing where it is practical to do so), HSE will consider a range of actions ranging from providing specific advice to employers through to issuing enforcement notices, including prohibition notices.”

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