25 Aug Controls to use following changes to coronavirus restrictions
Controls to use following changes to coronavirus restrictions
There are different approaches in England, Wales and Scotland following changes to restrictions.
England – On 19 July most coronavirus restrictions were removed in England and UK government social distancing guidance no longer applies.
Wales – On 7 August Wales moved to alert level 0. There is still a legal requirement for employers to carry out a risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus. There are a wide range of things that may need to be put in place to lower risks, which may include physical distancing.
Scotland – On 9 August Scotland moved to beyond level 0, which means physical distancing rules no longer apply.
You must still control risk and review and update your risk assessment.
The following workplace controls remain unchanged in each of the nations:
- adequate ventilation – our updated guidance includes a video to help you
- sufficient cleaning
- good hand hygiene
For more information and advice on COVID-19 and working safely, visit HSE’s coronavirus pages.
Other news and publications
Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide (HSG248)
This guidance, written for analysts involved in asbestos work and the authoritative source of asbestos analytical procedures within Great Britain, was revised and published in May 2021 as a free to download digital version.
This guide is also available to purchase in hard copy format.
Construction Fire Safety: Responsibility and Competence Matrix
The Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) Managing Risk Well Working Group produced the Construction Fire Safety: Responsibility and Competence Matrix last year.
The purpose of the matrix is to identify and outline the roles, responsibilities and minimum knowledge needed by duty holders involved in fire safety and prevention on construction projects.
Hosted by the Construction Health & Safety Group (CHSG), the matrix can be downloaded here.
HSE training and events now available online
In order to provide a safe learning environment some of our most popular courses and events are now available live online.
Find out more and see the full schedule here.
Upcoming courses and events include:
- Managing Ageing Assets – Creeping Changes, Data Trending and Experience from Incidents
(26 – 27 Aug, 2-day online course) - The Health and Safety Event
(7 – 9 Sep, 3-day conference) - Work-Related Stress: Developing Manager Capability
(21 Sep, 1-day online course)
Recent HSE enforcement activity
Plant and Machinery
Links for further guidance and information: Excavators
Electricity
Links for further guidance and information: Electricity – overhead power lines
Woodworking machinery
Links for further guidance and information: Working with woodworking machinery
Excavations
Links for further guidance and information: Excavations
Work at height – scaffold erection
Links for further guidance and information: Scaffold checklist
Work at height – fragile surfaces
Links for further guidance and information: Fragile surfaces
Latest job vacancies
Develop a career at HSE and help to protect lives.
As the national occupational health and safety regulator, HSE offers a range of rewarding career opportunities. View a list of our latest vacancies.