Mansfield District Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a campaign to carry out COVID-secure spot checks on business premises.
The checks are being carried out at businesses where the council has a responsibility for the enforcement of health and safety legislation.
The campaign will see the HSE initially calling businesses by phone to find out if they are aware of their responsibilities to comply with government rules and guidelines to help prevent the COVID-19 spreading between their staff, customers and visitors.
Where there are issues raised, there will be a follow-up call from the HSE to the business concerned and if there continues to be concerns about the business, council Environmental Health officers will visit the premises for unannounced spot checks.
If a business is found to falling short of the measures required, they will be advised about what adjustments they need to make to help to deter coronavirus infections being transmitted, with the council pursuing enforcement action if required.
The HSE started its COVID-secure spot-check programme in May and has since found that most businesses are working hard to get their measures right, especially on implementing social distancing precautions.
However, it has also found businesses often fall short of what is required on cleaning regimes and have a poor understanding of good hygiene practices.
It has also found that while businesses often start out well in implementing the measures, they frequently become less rigorous about ensuring measures, such as social distancing, are adequately maintained.
Cllr Marion Bradshaw, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Housing and Wellbeing, said: "It is vitally important, if we are to get on top of and reduce infections in Mansfield that everyone - businesses, workers, customers and residents - follow the Covid-secure guidance.
"What we want to do is build confidence with the local business community and the wider public that companies can operate safely, supporting efforts to rebuild the economy, while at the same time protecting public health.
"Our approach to the checks is to support businesses and, where required, provide help by suggesting improvements. But, where businesses are not managing the risk, we will take immediate action.
"This will range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, it could lead to prosecution."
For more information to businesses about being COVID-secure see the council website (link opens in new window) or email the Environmental Health team at environmentaladministration@mansfield.gov.uk or call 01623 463189 or 01623 463134.