CEF Statement on Covid-19 and construction (23.03.2020)

CEF Statement on Covid-19 and construction (23.03.2020)

Construction in NI continues to deliver the widest range of projects for public and private sector clients while adhering to best practice available at this point in time. The industry and its c30,000 employees are critical to both the economy and wider society as essential emergency works, social housing, hospitals, utilities and roads are delivered. Construction companies are adapting to the social distancing guidelines as are other industries such as manufacturing, retail and transport so they can keep essential parts of the economy operating during the outbreak. The industry will continue to follow all Government guidelines to ensure the safety of these employees and the general public whilst engaging in construction activity. Whilst many construction businesses have now embedded social distancing into their daily routines including measures such as head office homeworking, staggered work, social distancing in canteens, employees travelling individually, nevertheless building sites are complex workplaces and employers must be confident they can reconfigure work to meet the social distancing guidance. We refer to our summary of current best practice in relation to site working (attached). If, on a site-by-site basis, social distancing and safe working practices can not be fully implemented throughout the working day, we are urging our members to consider whether it is safe to continue to deliver the services. CEF are also pressing the NI Executive to secure from HM Government similar support for our labour-only selfemployed staff who require and deserve equal consideration for financial support during this crisis. The industry will continue to work with the Government and follow advice and guidelines on this issue as they evolve over the coming days and weeks. The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is keeping members updated on the constantly evolving situation regarding the Covid-19 virus:

? HM Government guidance on Covid-19 , ? the range of financial support measures announced

, and ? HSENI guidance . The CEF does not condone any behaviours that contradict the government's guidelines. Any such behaviour should be reported to employers so the issue can be addressed.

23/03/2020

Guidance on Safe Distancing (23.03.2020)

This guidance is for everyone. The Health & Safety Executive for NI (HSENI) advises on social distancing measures we should all take to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to minimise contact between potentially infected and healthy individuals.

To address social distancing at work, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) advises members to: 1. Develop a plan - to facilitate social distancing 2. Communicate - in the place of work 3. Implement and monitor - the plan, and update as necessary.

All workplaces should follow the HSENI guidelines on Social Distancing and pay attention to the following construction-specific considerations: ? Risk assess - all planned activities / elements of work ? Communicate working arrangements - to relevant persons by appropriate means (e.g. method

statement, safe plan of action, toolbox talk to workers) ? Reduce the number of persons - in any work area to comply with the 2-metre gap recommended by

the HSENI (e.g. relocate workers to other tasks, review work schedule) ? Review work practices ? mindful of buddy working arrangements ? Supervise / mentor - consider appointment of a person to specifically monitor adherence to social

distancing ? Travel - review means of solo travel of workers to/from site ? Welfare facilities ? review arrangements at any common areas used by workers such as canteens

and welfare facilities (e.g. stagger breaks, segregated seating etc.)

If you develop any symptoms related to COVID-19 you must stay at home or leave work if they develop during work:

? Report: You must report this to your manager / employer ? Self-isolation: If you have been symptomatic, 7 days ? Household isolation: If living with others, then all household members who remain well may

end household-isolation after 14 days.

(pic credit: CIF)

23/03/2020

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