Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer work places joint statement
- 1 June 2020
The Scottish Government, Police Scotland, Health and Safety Executive and local authorities have produced a joint statement on safe workplaces. The statement’s message is that by employers, workers, unions and regulatory bodies working together can create safe workplaces for all. Environmental Health teams in Local Authorities with their expertise in health and safety and public health […]
Food Standards Scotland – Updated Guidance on COVID-19 for Food Businesses
- 1 June 2020
Food Standards Scotland have updated their guidance for food business operators (FBOs). The update takes account of revisions in public health advice and feedback from industry, Scottish Government and Trade Unions. The guidance package now also includes a new risk assessment tool and checklist to support FBOs in identifying and the measures they need to implement […]
Hackathons seek environmental solutions to COVID-19
- 22 May 2020
People across disciplines are invited to take part in a series of hackathons to crunch data to gain new insights into the impact of COVID-19. The NERC COVID-19 Digital Sprint will take place over June, and organisers are calling on environmental researchers, health and social scientists, and data specialists to join the challenge. Entrants will […]
Environmental Health Officers step up to ensure that businesses comply with COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations
- 22 May 2020
In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Councils have undertaken significant work in protecting the health of the public by ensuring social distancing while shopping for essential goods and in protecting employees. One of the key changes in the way they deliver services has been the implementation of new powers to ensure that those businesses which […]
Campaign launches to help people in Scotland manage their waste during the coronavirus pandemic
- 20 May 2020
Some waste and recycling collection services across Scotland are temporarily disrupted as a result of the coronavirus. This is necessary to prioritise the health of workers in line with government guidance and deal with the impact of staff shortages. Local authorities are working hard to make sure any disruption isn’t in place any longer than […]
Legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak
- 19 May 2020
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning of an increased legionella risk if a building has been closed or reduced occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because water systems can stagnant due to lack of use, increasing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. This may particularly affect: Hot and cold water systems […]
NHS Scotland recruitment for COVID-19 contact tracing team
- 15 May 2020
As we move into the next phase of the Scottish Government COVID-19 response, a "test, trace, isolate, support" approach will be introduced. Read the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): test, trace, isolate, support strategy. As NHS Scotland moves to implementation of this strategy, current contact tracing capacity will be enhanced to deliver a sustainable service across Scotland. […]
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published guidance to help employers keep their workplaces operating safely during this time
- 15 May 2020
The UK Government, in consultation with industry, have published guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. The latest guidance covers eight workplace settings: construction and other outdoor work factories, plants and warehouses other people's homes labs and research facilities offices and contact centres restaurants offering takeaway or […]
Listeria in frozen vegetables: how to reduce risks
- 15 May 2020
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a report on the public health risk posed by Listeria monocytogenes in frozen fruit and vegetables that have been blanched during processing. Blanching before freezing is often carried out by food business operators to prevent enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavour, colour and texture. The EFSA identifies relevant control […]
Health Protection Scotland- COVID-19 guidance for non- healthcare settings
- 15 May 2020
Health Protection Scotland has produced guidance to support those working in non-healthcare settings give advice to their staff and users of their services about COVID-19. This guidance covers: what COVID-19 is and how it is spread advice on how to prevent spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19 advice on what to do if someone […]
Scotland’s test, trace, isolate strategy to include environmental health profession
- 7 May 2020
The Scottish Government has published a paper outlining their “test, trace, isolate, support” strategy for COVID-19, within which the Environmental Health profession plays a key role. It is expected to be in place end of May. The strategy is part of a range public health measures to be deployed to ensure low levels of community transmission of the disease while easing […]
Food Standards Scotland publish COVID-19 guidance for food businesses in the take-away sector
- 6 May 2020
Food Standards Scotland has published guidance intended for Food Businesses in the Take Away Sector. This guidance is aimed to supplement the current published Covid-19 guidance for Food Business Operators and their Employees. Scottish Government requirements to close restaurants, cafes and public houses to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has led many of these businesses to […]
