Construction Sites get working

It seems that the virus is not easily spread out doors. As a good deal of construction work is done in the open air e.g. site works, landscaping, works before the envelope is sealed, it seems logical that the construction companies could start up those parts of their activities with minimal risk, provided the social distancing rules are observed.

Why the contribution is important

To get things moving. etc. etc. etc.

by gusmacdonald on May 08, 2020 at 02:51PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.6
Based on: 20 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Malcolm24 May 08, 2020 at 15:04

    Absolutely correct. No measurable risk outdoors. Simple measures about social distancing in work vehicles etc are entirely practical. While we are at it we could have fixed the pot holed roads. Quieter than they will ever be again and good weather.

  • Posted by Janetmu May 08, 2020 at 16:50

    If social distancing rules can be implemented, low levels of traffic mean this is a great time to get transport construction done - including the Edinburgh Trams. Doing these projects now would cause less disruption that with normal traffic levels and be safer for the workers.

  • Posted by Dave_H May 08, 2020 at 16:52

    And in order to allow construction work to resume, the builders merchants should all re open with social distancing measures. There is no reason why they had to shut, but most of them did

  • Posted by Longjock May 08, 2020 at 17:13

    Agree with this totally. As a self builder, social distancing is easily achieved on-site as trades can be scheduled as appropriate. The ability to have materials delivered to site while activity is less can also be achieved. Please consider this as a priority for all small building businesses to be able to get back to work.

  • Posted by Dougieb May 08, 2020 at 17:35

    England have now had all house building construction sites operating for two weeks as well as house extension/alterations.
    The sector had provided extensive guidance to operate safety with a high proportion of works being undertaken in the open.
    If the Scottish Gov are not careful many from the construction sector will travel south for employment leaving Scotland impacted even more with a skilled labour shortage. The other risk is workers travelling south during the week and then travelling back at weekends rather than working on sites close to their home.

  • Posted by wisteria May 08, 2020 at 18:37

    Where is the evidence that Covid cannot be imparted outdoors? It might be lessened, but I doubt if it is totally safe. I think it would be impossible for the construction industry to maintain a 2m distance.

  • Posted by Sunny34 May 08, 2020 at 21:45

    Many other countries continued construction throughout their lockdown. There is no need for the blanket ban introduced in Scotland. Some construction work could have safely continued over the last 7 weeks which would have kept people employed and allowed house building to progress.

  • Posted by BilliB May 08, 2020 at 21:52

    Any workplace with more than 1 person present from different households carries risk, construction sites (especially as they near their final stages) can be just as busy as any supermarket on a Sunday afternoon. The different trades would need to be allocated schedules/days for their work where possible, so they’re not ‘tripping’ over each other. But yes should be one of the first to get back with new Health & Safety measures in place.

  • Posted by CHill May 08, 2020 at 22:06

    It is too simplistic to label Construction as being outdoors and suitable for social distancing and the sorts of hygiene measures needed.

    And naïve to imagine that work will only be done to the "exterior".

  • Posted by ejforrester May 10, 2020 at 20:37

    Construction should recommence now. Builders know all about health and safety and how to act responsibly. I know many have put in additional measures and are ready to go asap. Some have continued to work on what were deemed 'essential' sites , apparently without any great difficulty. Get them back in action to help save the economy.
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas