Covid-19 safety checks on Scottish workplaces.Experts have criticised authorities using the companies — who normally chase up unpaid fines and bills — for potentially life-saving reviews instead of properly trained officials.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has a £7million deal with the two firms – Engage, which is owned by Marston Holdings, and CDER Group Ltd – to bolster its workforce.The safety quango was forced to draft them in to help after a decade of cuts left them struggling to cope with the pandemic.Staff were told checks whether firms were sticking to coronavirus safety measures around sites – including masks being worn, social distancing and hand-washing facilities.The debt recovery companies conducted 5442 inquires across.