Around 100 spot checks have so far been made on businesses across South Kesteven to help ensure they are Covid secure.

South Kesteven District Council is working with the Health & Safety Executive to ensure firms are in good shape to protect staff and customers from Covid-19

The spot checks and inspections offer trained health and safety officers the chance to give key advice as the economy continues to reopen.

SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: "The opportunity for Covid to spread is increased substantially as lockdown is eased, so it is critical that businesses shouldn't become complacent.

"All business should have Covid-secure measures in place. It is a legal duty for them to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from Coronavirus.

"Spot checks and inspections are carried out via calls and visits to all types of businesses to check that measures they've put in place to manage the risk from Coronavirus are in line with current guidance – and offer guidance when required.

"This includes businesses that have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, those that have recently reopened and those due to open in the coming weeks."

In addition to the 100 checks made as lockdown eases, SKDC champions and its Environmental Health team have carried out more than 800 visits to help businesses during the pandemic.

All workplaces could be in line for spot checks. This means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check from HSE or an inspection from SKDC to check they are COVID-secure.

Ensuring businesses have measures in place to manage the risks can benefit the health of local communities as well as support the local and national economy.

The Covid-secure measures include:

Risk assessment: Updated to reflect changes in legislation or guidance that may impact work activity

Social distancing: Where possible keep people 2m apart. If this is not viable, keeping 1m apart with risk mitigation is acceptable

Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing: A clean workplace reduces potential for coronavirus to spread and is a critical part of making and keeping businesses Covid-secure.

Ventilation and air conditioning can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus

Talking to workers: Providing information about providing support and maintaining control measures

Working from home: Provide equipment, keep in regular contact and discuss wellbeing

Vulnerable workers: Talk to staff, provide information and consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus – putting controls in place to reduce that risk

Angela Storey, Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, said: "As we come out of lockdown, we are continuing to work with local authorities to check businesses are Covid-secure and providing guidance and advice where needed."