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HSE to carry out commercial fleet inspections

07 December 2020

Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with local authorities to carry out inspections of commercial fleet operators to check how coronavirus risk is being managed leading up to Christmas. 

HSE head of transport and public services unit Harvey Wild said, “The logistics and distribution industry overall has seen a significant increase in business activity over the past few months and, with shops and retail centres closed, there will be a surge in online shopping in the run up to the festive period.

“As a result of this, we will see an increase in the number of agency and temporary workers in the transport and logistics sector to meet the demand. It’s important that all workers and also customers feel confident that measures are being taken to protect them from Covid-19.

“Employers have a legal duty to protect workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus.

“We encourage businesses to consult with their workers on the changes they put in place to become Covid-secure. This is to provide reassurance for workers and to also increase confidence in customers and the local community.

“Becoming Covid-secure not only benefits the health of our communities and vital businesses, it also good for the health of the UK economy.”

HSE inspectors and local authority officers will be visiting warehouses and distribution centres across the country to check Covid-19 guideline compliance and safety. 

Covid safety requirements include workplace controls such as social distancing and cleaning arrangements to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus and suitable toilet and handwashing facilities for all workers, including visiting drivers. 

Should businesses fail to meet the requirements, first action taken by these authorities could include provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. If businesses still fail to comply they could face prosecution.

At Marshall Leasing, safety is our first priority. We are following the guidance of the UK government and other safety authorities to keep our drivers safe, and we hope that this information can help our customers do the same. If you have any queries, please feel free to email info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or call us on 01480 414541.

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