The COVID-19 crisis presents a huge challenge for businesses and communities across Blackburn with Darwen and the Council is doing everything in its power to support them during this period.

Business and premises which need to close and remain closed

The Government has required certain businesses in the borough to stay closed due to the Covid-19 situation in the borough.

Find out the latest details about local measures.

Businesses and premises which can remain open and for those preparing to re-open

For those businesses that are able to remain open steps must be put in place to make sure it can be done safely.

Find out the latest government guidance.

All employers need to carry out a COVID-19 Risk Assessment

You must make sure your business addresses the risks of COVID-19.

Use the guidance below to complete your risk assessment and inform your decisions and control measures.

• Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK website
• Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - HSE website
• Food safety and hygiene requirements for food businesses guidance
• Risk assessment template and examples

Find out more information about the guidance on social distancing.

When you have completed your risk assessment you could let your staff and/or customers know by displaying the poster.

If your business has been closed during the lockdown but may soon be reopening

It is important whilst businesses are shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic that you control the risk of Legionella growth in your water systems. When you re-open a building there is a danger that the water supply may be unsafe.

Find out information and guidance on controlling the risk of Legionella.

How to report a business

If you want to report a businesses that remains open when you believe it should be closed or if you have concerns that a retail business, office or warehouse does not have proper social distancing precautions in place please email publicprotection@blackburn.gov.uk.

Open non retail premises which are failing with social distancing

Please report manufacturing businesses if they are failing to comply with social distancing using the Health and Safety Executive's online form.

The responsible persons (Owners, Managers, and Directors etc.) can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecuted if steps haven’t been taken to make the workplace Covid secure.

Useful resources

• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health COVID-19 resources
• British Retail Consortium - Pocket card for employees
• Public Health England Posters
• European Agency for Safety: Covid-19 Back to the Workplace - Adapting workplaces and protecting employees
• Blackburn with Darwen Business poster pack

If after reading the information in the links above you need more help please contact us by email at publicprotection@blackburn.gov.uk