Health and safety chief warns businesses of action over coronavirus complaints

Q Radio News

The head of the Health and Safety Executive in Northern Ireland is vowing to take action against employers flouting Covid-19 restrictions.

Robert Kidd has issued a statement in the wake of a huge increase in the number of complaints - up 1800% in a week, with concerns focused on social distancing in the workplace.

Unions have claimed some firms ramped up production and workers had fears about safety measures, especially in the manufacturing sector.

Concerns were raised about the HSE not carrying out site inspections.

Mr. Kidd said he wanted to "assure workers, businesses and the wider public that all complaints and queries received in relation to the COVID-19 crisis will continue to be dealt with in the proper manner."

And he added: "“We will continue to work tirelessly where queries remain open and will continue the dialogue with union representatives and any employee who still has concerns can of course come back to us. I encourage them to contact us at mail@hseni.gov.uk. I would also warn businesses that we take our obligations very seriously and will act to address unsafe working conditions where this is needed.”

Health & Safety Executive NI gets “unprecedented number of complaints" 1800% increase in a week, concerns focused on social distancing in workplace. Chief warns "we take our obligations very seriously & will act to address unsafe working conditions"#COVID19 statement in full: pic.twitter.com/R1AqqkWtQq

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 2, 2020