HSE issues new COVID-19 guidance for businesses

06 April 2020

The HSE has issued new guidance for businesses, which provides that, other than some non-essential shops and public venues, businesses should stay open if at all possible. If they are able to, staff should work from home and should only travel to work if absolutely necessary.

For many businesses, including the road transport industry, it is not possible for all staff to work from home (drivers being an obvious example of staff who need to travel) and, in these circumstances, it is important that the government’s guidelines on social distancing and hygiene are followed. This means that staff must be able to maintain two metres from other people and wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.

The HSE have stated that, where government guidance is not being followed, for example, employers are not taking action to ensure an appropriate distance is kept between employees or are not ensuring that those in the shielded category are able to self-isolate, then the HSE will consider taking a range of actions to improve control of workplace risks. This will include the provision of specific advice to employers through to the issuing of enforcement notices to help secure improvements in complying with the guidance.

The HSE guidance can be found here.