Feb 17th, 2021
4 mins
During the pandemic, for those businesses with primary authority partnerships there is a new initiative for COVID Spot Checks which some of our members are looking to join.
Current government spot check system
As you know the government are carrying out standard spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses in our sector to ensure they are COVID-secure.
They are making calls to give expert advice on how to manage the risks of COVID in order to protect workers, customers and visitors and to establish compliance. They are also working closely with local authorities, assisting them in the sectors they regulate to check the measures they’ve put in place are in line with government guidance.
The process starts with a stage one call, depending on responses and non-compliance this can lead to a stage 2 referral, at stage 2 another call is then made by those with regulatory training, should the business be confirmed as non-compliant the business is then referred to local authority for follow up and potential visit by an inspector at stage 3.
BFFF Primary Authority spot check system
Should you have a registered Primary Authority Health & Safety partnership with BFFF and Wakefield MDC you will have access to a slightly different process. Instead of the stage 2/3 referral being to any number of local authority officers, your business could be tracked to the BFFF/Wakefield MDC partnership. Wakefield would support and work with you to resolve the issues identified to potentially avoid the stage 3 visit and negate the need for enforcement action at a minimal cost. There are 3 key advantages:
- COVID-19 Spot check process channelled through primary authority at stage 2/3, instead of a multitude of local authorities nationally therefore giving consistency. In the case of Wakefield, they have intimate knowledge and experience in our industry.
- Bespoke reports provided by HSE and Primary authority to help maintain compliance.
- The premises would then be registered as inspection carried out and in most cases closed out at stage 1.
As a member of BFFF you are entitled to join the primary authority coordinated partnerships for Health & Safety which is free. This is free and aligns your business to the governing bodies.
To register your interest in the BFFF Primary Authority scheme or find out more about the spot check offer please contact:
