That said, I do appreciate that in some circumstances it is a reasonably practicable solution and an only option.
So, if you are going to use ‘supervision’ as a safety control measure, make sure it is not mixed with other tasks (i.e. admin, training, or others). If it is necessary to supervise to check behaviours, methods, then supervision must be done without distraction.
I also have a favourite saying, ‘people literally don’t have eyes in the back of their heads!’. In a large open space, if supervision is to be relied upon, make sure the supervisors circulate the areas, check all corners and places out of view. Think about how you will get assistance if your control measure is supervision, without having to leave the area.
Supervision by CCTV is also not an option that I would support and have been asked if this is satisfactory in the past. Try not to rely on control measure that depend on ‘human behaviour’ and ‘human judgement’, but if you do, make sure supervision is constant and considered and checked to make that it is a suitable control measure. If you need any help with your health and safety management, please get in touch.