THE failure to classify Covid-19 as a serious workplace risk has endangered public safety, Labour said today.

Shadow employment minister Andy McDonald argued that the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) decision not to place coronavirus in its highest category of hazards has contributed to Britain having the highest death toll in Europe.

Employment Minister Mims Davies said last week that Covid had been classified as a “significant” rather than “serious” risk as this best supports inspectors making “sensible, proportionate” decisions.