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<p>Public health authorities lead multi-agency outbreak investigation teams and the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has a significant role to play when a workplace
is involved. HSE contributes information about the extent and effectiveness of infection
risk controls in the workplace enabling the team to draw conclusions about likely
infection routes.</p><p> </p><p>HSE is also carrying out proactive spot checks of
workplaces to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect workers from
COVID-19, and provides guidance on relevant COVID-19 risk controls for businesses
and organisations on it’s website (<a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk" target="_blank">www.hse.gov.uk</a>).</p><p>
</p><p>Establishing what allowed the transmission of the virus is a priority and HSE
engages across government with Public Health England (PHE), the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs, Food Standards Agency and the devolved administrations; sharing
data and learning lessons. HSE’s Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) is on the Scientific
Advisory Group for Emergencies and co-Chairs the Environmental and Modelling group
which aims to provide scientific information on transmission in the built environment,
which would include many workplaces. This group have been engaging with PHE, the Department
for Health and Social Care and others to ensure that environmental considerations
have been considered during outbreak management.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has
made available up to an extra £14.2 million for HSE to support the provision of advice
and regulatory activities. These funds will be drawn down throughout the year to bring
in additional inspectors, call centre staff and equipment as required.</p>
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