Allow construction to re-open where it can be done responsibly

Allow all forms of construction to restart where it can be done with current social distancing. All outdoor construction where 2m separation can be kept is almost no risk to anyone and almost any indoor work can be done respecting the rules. The construction industry is run by H and S and this is just an addition of some new rules. If a task cannot be done safely then it should not be done

Why the contribution is important

It can be done safely and responsibly following current social distancing rules with some additional PPE. Many in the industry will be receiving no support and those that currently are receiving support will no longer be a burden on the public purse if they can get back to work.

by Climate on May 05, 2020 at 05:25PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 45 votes

Comments

  • Posted by AnthonyButterworth May 05, 2020 at 17:28

    Outside work only

  • Posted by HMW1956 May 05, 2020 at 17:42

    Construction should restart as soon as practicable. The 2 metre could be relaxed to 1 metre in such an industry.

  • Posted by Ritchie486 May 05, 2020 at 17:42

    Agree 100%

  • Posted by Jane May 05, 2020 at 18:01

    If safe systems that protect employees in place - essential for the economy.

  • Posted by Ruth May 05, 2020 at 18:04

    Yes, i think we put strict rules in place and close sites down immediately if the rules are not adhered to.

  • Posted by johnrslade May 05, 2020 at 18:55

    the construction industry is vital to getting the economy up and running again

  • Posted by jaggy1971 May 05, 2020 at 19:03

    Get construction moving safely, and within the regulations, and get the economy moving! The government cannot afford to extend the furlough scheme beyond end June and with no sign of restrictions easing a lot of companies will need to start consulting with employees on 15th May to comply with 45 day employment regulations. Mass redundancies in the sector are on the cards and the process will start in 10 DAYS unless the government acts NOW.

  • Posted by Andyk May 05, 2020 at 19:09

    I agree that strict rules are required for the construction industry. These need to apply all the way down the supply chain on construction sites including contractors and sub-contractors. All requests for presence on site should include statements that protect the contractor employees from potential exposure to Covid -19. If pressure is brought to bear by main developers for workmen presence on site, outwith the terms of the project delivery plan, then developers should carry the Covid- 19 risk assessment of the contractor within their risk liabilities . These Covid-19 risk assessments and other documentations that ensure social distancing (not 1 metre), suitable recreation areas and toilets, PPE equipment where necessary etc will need to be monitored very very closely.

  • Posted by MM1592 May 05, 2020 at 21:21

    Many contractors will not adhere to the COVID19 risk assessments and essential PPE. Large sites should remain closed

  • Posted by JohnDickie5 May 06, 2020 at 13:51

    Agree

  • Posted by WilfredLawrieNicholasJohnson May 07, 2020 at 17:09

    Many keep drawing comparisons to the fact that English Construction sites are still operating and Scotland have been closed. But how confident are these people that the CLC Guidance is safe? On paper parts may seem reasonable. But just because people are working to them does not make them safe. There is a feeling that the workers in construction industry in England are essentially being treated as test subjects for this guidance, meanwhile it is dressed up as ‘best practice’.

    How can we be sure that the current CLC guidance is:

    a) Safe?
    b) being enforced by the company?
    c) being further enforced by authorities like HSE?

    The guidance is flawed and unclear with many unsafe recommendations, such as face to face working for up to 15 minutes to highlight the most obscene suggestion (a UK government recommendation).

    The Scottish Government should issue its own guidance for the construction industry in Scotland. First and foremost it should be safe and clear. Some suggestions to improve safety could be as follows:

    • Staff should travel alone and not share public transport or share vans in any circumstance
    • Limit number of people on site at any one time
    • Everyone should wear a mask
    • N95 masks and goggles for anyone who has to work within 2 metres

    Final point. Construction bosses only really care about the money or the programme. They never care about the hardworking boots on the ground, never have and never will. There needs to be enforcement and heavy fines issued to those who don’t want to comply or are not taking it seriously enough. The only thing that will force some of these people to comply is if there is a financial incentive.

  • Posted by blunderman May 08, 2020 at 09:57

    Agree with the general sentiment of opening this area. Don't agree with any relaxation of the distancing and hygiene rules. Clear safe working (and get to work) instructions required and clear ACTIVE enforcement of these. Recent history is full of instances where guidance is good but there are insufficient employed to check that guidance is being followed and only toytown sanctions available when breaches lead to deaths and injuries.

  • Posted by SandyBenzies May 10, 2020 at 10:05

    Under one of the other related ideas, I advocated considering the possibility of opening up small domestic refurbishment projects provided that safe distancing and segregation from the occupiers can be agreed and maintained. Small self-employed contractors working on such projects often have no other source of income.
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