Call For Stricter Covid Measures As Legal Obligation Imposed

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With the Prime Minister announcing that ‘Covid-secure’ guidelines are set to become a legal obligation, one organisation says firms must have a more robust and formalised framework to avoid the risk of fines or closure.

Bureau Veritas has advised that construction businesses must step up their fight against coronavirus after Boris Johnson revealed that guidelines introduced in May to help businesses safely reopen post-lockdown are to become legal obligations.

Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules.

Bureau Veritas, which has been working with various sectors has described the move as ‘monumental’. As such, it is encouraging construction and installation firms not to delay in introducing stricter measures – supported with processes and regular monitoring.

 “In recent weeks, there’s been much public debate and confusion on the lack of consistency in introducing, maintaining and enforcing Covid-secure measures such as social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and hand hygiene.”

– Ken Smith 

UK Chief Executive, Bureau Veritas UK

Heed the warning

“From workplaces and schools, through to shops, restaurants and bars, and hotels Prime Minister Johnson has sought to provide clarity to consumers and businesses alike by making it a legal requirement for certain sectors to adhere to the measures announced in May," continues Bureau Veritas' Smith. “The move is monumental and shows that the government is serious about businesses going further in helping to tackle the spread of coronavirus. As experts in helping businesses become Covid-secure, our advice is clear – firms should heed the warning, tighten up their procedures and processes, introduce stricter measures and monitoring if necessary, otherwise they risk being fined.”

Staying safe

Smith adds: “At a time when many firms are still grappling with the challenges of getting their businesses back up and running after months of lockdown restrictions, keeping up with and introducing evolving requirements is no doubt an added pressure. For those seeking further clarification on the latest announcement, it’s worth bringing in an outside compliance consultancy such as Bureau Veritas - like many sectors, we’ve adapted rapidly to become experts in understanding the correct health, hygiene and safety practices to protect staff and customers whilst remaining safely operationally.

“The good news is, many firms already have fairly stringent Covid-secure measures in place, so it’s really a case of formalising a best practice approach and remaining as vigilant as possible to potential outbreaks, as ultimately, this will help to save lives. Thinking now in a different way as to how organisations are run, how people are engaged is essential as remember these measures are there to ensure protection of staff and customers.”

Restart Your Business

The ‘Restart Your Business With Bureau Veritas’ service provides a voluntary, independent assessment of a firm’s Covid-secure status, with a statement of assurance issued on completion that can be displayed on website and at properties.

To find out more about Restart Your Business - Click Here

Picture: Guidelines introduced in May to help businesses safely reopen post-lockdown are to become legal obligations.

www.bureauveritas.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
30th September 2020

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