Highland business urged to heed Scottish Government route map on journey out of coronavirus crisis; Highland Council will probe claims of unsafe working practices during transition out of lockdown
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CLAIMS of unsafe work practices will be probed by Highland Council officials and enforcement action taken if necessary as local businesses seek to adapt to new coronavirus guidelines.
That's the warning from Highland Council which is responsible for policing the new Health Protection (Coronavirus)(Scotland) Regulations and coronavirus restrictions such as physical distancing and enhanced hand hygiene controls in a range of business premises including shops, hotels, offices and leisure industry.
The new law was made in response to the serious and imminent threat to public health posed by the spread of coronavirus in Scotland. It came into force at the end of March.
Officers from the environmental health and trading standards teams have responded to more than 280 Covid-19 enquiries received from businesses, employees and the public and have been providing advice on how they can comply with the new coronavirus regulations and meet Scottish Government requirements.
Our team of officers continue to respond to enquiries and investigate complaints of unsafe work practices, and where appropriate, will look to use their enforcement powers
Alan Yates
At the end of May, the Scottish Government published its route map to lifting Scotland out of the crisis. That includes a plan for a phased approach to changing current restrictions which will enable more businesses to resume operations.
In readiness to re-open, all businesses should start to look at their workplace operations and create a plan to implement safe work practices to protect the health, safety and welfare of their staff and the public who may use their services, says Highland Council.
While acknowledging that the lifting of restriction "may present some new challenges to businesses,"it says it is important to ensure that all workplaces remain safe.
Alan Yates, environmental health manager said “We continue to engage with local businesses during this challenging period, offering advice on the regulations and providing guidance on how they can provide safe work environments to control the risks of disease transmission. In the Highlands, we have seen a high level of compliance and willingness by business to meet with Scottish Government guidance.
"Our team of officers continue to respond to enquiries and investigate complaints of unsafe work practices, and where appropriate, will look to use their enforcement powers under the coronavirus or health and safety legislation to ensure compliance to protect public health. I would encourage all businesses to familiarise themselves with the Scottish Governments recently published route map and relevant business sector guidance."
It can be found at https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Mr Yates stressed that the publication of these documents does not alter the current lockdown requirements at this time in that business premises must remain closed unless they are deemed essential to the COVID 19 response and permitted to operate. If any business is unsure of their position or requires advice they can contact our Service for further advice on telephone 01349 886603 or email envhealth@highland.gov.uk ."
The advice also refers to Scotland's route map out of lockdown prepared by the Scottish Govenment.
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