Joint statement on UK health and safety

Three major British organisations have issued a joint statement on the Coronavirus and how it is impacting the construction industry.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has combined with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) to clarify the position for workers on sites that continue to remain open during the pandemic – and in particular the need to maintain social distancing.

And the three parties emphasised that the HSE would issue enforcement and even prohibition notices to any employers not complying with Public Health England guidance.

The statement said: “This is an extremely worrying time for firms and workers. We know many workers, union reps and employers have questions and concerns about safe working – especially for those continuing to work away from home.

“This joint statement between the HSE, the TUC and the CBI is intended to clarify the position. The health and safety of workers remains paramount. Employers must continue to provide workers with information about risks to their health and the actions their employers must take.

“Social distancing is a key public health measure introduced by Public Health England to reduce the spread of infection. Most employers are going to great lengths to ensure social distancing wherever possible. The HSE, CBI and TUC wish to publicly support these efforts. 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.

“Where a worker has a genuine concern about health and safety which cannot be resolved through speaking with their employer or trade union, they should contact the relevant enforcement agency – either their local authority, or the HSE through https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/concerns.htm

“For firms who are unsure about the guidance, please visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/social-distancing-coronavirus.htm”

The HSE is an independent regulator with more than forty years’ experience, while the TUC has 48 member unions representing 5.5 million workers and the CBI covers 190,000 private sector businesses with seven million employees.