Reducing the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace
Following the progression into Step 4 on 19 July 2021 and the removal of certain statutory restrictions, all employers should conduct or review their Covid-19 risk assessment. It remains necessary to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks identified.
The different ways the virus spreads should be considered (aerosols, droplets, surfaces). Employees, customers and any other visitors must be protected from Covid-19 in the workplace and should be considered in the risk assessment.
All businesses should follow the principles set out in the published guidance:
- Restaurant, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services.
- Hotels and guest accommodation.
- Shops and close contact services.
Guidance about other types of work and businesses is also available
This guidance sets out a range of measures employers should consider including:
- regular cleaning of touch points.
- taking steps to improve airflow to poorly ventilated areas (e.g. opening doors and windows).
- ensuring staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the workplace.
- informing staff and customers of the measures you have put in place.
- recommending face masks, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces.
- an up-to-date plan of what actions will be taken and by who in the event of an outbreak.
Find out more about how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of Coronavirus
If you are setting up a new food business in Hull, you will need to
- register your business
- apply for appropriate licences (if applicable)
- have written procedures in place to manage food safely
- have certain facilities on site
We can visit you if you are thinking of starting a food business to give you guidance about safe food hygiene practices and structural requirements for your premises.
Registering a food business
You must register your food premises with us at least 28 days before opening. If you have more than one premises you will need to register all of them. Registration allows us to keep an up to date list of all those premises in our area so we can inspect them when we need to.
Find out more about registering your food business
Apply for licences
You will need to apply for an appropriate licence if you
- sell hot food or hot drinks after 11pm
- sell alcohol or
- provide entertainment,
It is an offence to undertake such activities without a licence under The Licensing Act 2003.
Find out more about the Licensing Act 2003
Food safety and hygiene procedures
If you have a food business, you must have procedures in place to manage food safely, and have certain facilities on your site.
What facilities your food business must have
Your food business must have the following facilities on site
- at least two hand washbasins - one in a food preparations area and one in a staff toilet area
- adequate workspace
- facilities to clean food equipment and hands (for example, it should have one sink for food wash and one for equipment wash)
- adequate storage space, especially refrigeration. It is a good idea to have separate fridges for raw and ready-to-eat foods
- waste disposal arrangements
- staff facilities
- adequate ventilation - natural and/or mechanical
- drainage facilities
- where tables and seating are provided toilets for the public must be available,
Contact us
If you would like any advice use the online form below to contact us