INSPECTIONS to keep workers safe and the north Oxfordshire economy open are underway as more businesses reopen.

Cherwell District Council is continuing its partnership work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to protect staff and make sure workplaces are Covid secure.

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With restrictions easing, the opportunity for Covid to spread has increased, so it is critical that businesses maintain high standards.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “In most cases these visits are about reinforcing consumer confidence and providing extra guidance to businesses who are already doing their best to keep Covid at bay.

“But any business could be in scope, whether they’ve been open throughout the pandemic, have recently reopened, or are about to reopen. With case numbers on the rise again, we are determined to keep the virus in check."

Previous spot checks have found the majority of businesses are endeavouring to follow the guidance and have taken a number of steps to control the risk.

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But HSE and council officers are finding some common issues across a range of sectors including; failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing; and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime, particularly at busy times of the day.

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