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<p>Under Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, HSE Inspectors
have a range of powers that they can use to investigate reported incidents and concerns,
including those relating to implementation of Covid 19 safety measures in factories
in Leicester.</p><p> </p><p>Inspectors have the right to enter premises to carry out
their functions at any reasonable time. They have the right to ask questions, to examine
documents and to take copies. They also have the right to talk to employees and safety
representatives, as required.</p><p> </p><p>Inspectors have the power to issue Improvement
Notices where they identify a breach of health and safety legislation or to issue
Prohibition Notices where they identify a risk of serious personal injury. They also
have powers to institute proceedings in Court where there has been a serious breach
of health and safety legislation.</p><p> </p><p>Throughout the pandemic, HSE has actively
engaged with businesses, through site visits and phone calls, investigating reports
from those raising concerns, assessing compliance with health and safety law, and
using guidance such as that published about social distancing from the Department
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19</a>)
to ensure businesses are adhering to requirements. HSE has also provided support to
local public health bodies who lead on dealing with outbreaks.</p><p> </p><p>HSE continues
to regulate in areas of highest risk and industries where concerns of Covid-19 transmission
are greatest.</p>
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