Covid guidelines for commercial sector

An updated Covid-19 risk assessment has been introduced for commercial vehicle dealerships struggling to manage the ever-changing regulations.

The pandemic has put a new focus on commercial vehicle servicing, repair and maintenance, and the associated risk assessments and new regulations that need to be followed. However, according to Inspire International’s technical director Harvinder Virdee, the government’s advice has been confusing and contradictory.

He said: “The new rules are fairly easy to implement into a commercial vehicle business, but because they are continually changing, it presents challenges for managers who are unsure of what is expected as the legal requirement.”

Recognising demand within the industry, the company has introduced a specialised Covid-19 risk assessment tailored to each business.

Harvinder said: “It is incredibly important for commercial vehicle dealerships, where positive Covid-19 cases have been reported, that they continue to instil confidence and reassure their customers, in that when they bring their vehicles into the workshops they will not be at risk of the virus spreading from the vehicle to their drivers and businesses. This is particularly important where commercial vehicle workshops have VMUs at a customer site. Carrying out the required risk assessment is vital to ensuring businesses remain compliant during these challenging times.”

To remain compliant, Inspire suggests companies must complete a comprehensive Covid-19 risk assessment, develop a business continuity plan for Covid-19 cases, ensure a company track and trace process is in place, check Covid-19 arrangements on a monthly basis, share the required information with PHE and PH Scotland track and trace, and educate staff about the risk assessments and associated safety procedures.