CICV Forum Issue Health and Safety Guidance

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued expanded health and safety guidance to help steer companies through the COVID-19 crisis and getting staff back to work safely.

The Forum, which is part of the Scottish Government, has been established specifically to deal with the impact of the virus in relation to construction work, as well as dealing with the impact of site closures on the industry. It has played a critical role in providing clarity and transparency for business at this time.

As part of its work, the CICV Forum has produced a comprehensive 42-page document, Safe Return and Restart, for organisations to help underpin the Safe Operating Guidance which was released last week, and was produced in collaboration between Construction Scotland, Scottish Government along with other organisations throughout the industry.

Rebecca Crosland, Forum member and Health and Safety Advisor at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), said: “’Safe Return and Restart’ is an important contribution to the protection of the workforce and to help minimise the risk of further spread of infection.

“It is intended to provide detailed guidance to businesses of all sizes across all construction activity in line with the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland recommendations on the management of COVID-19.”

This new and expanded guidance covers a wide range of issues and proposes key control measures, including physical distancing, hygiene, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, along with advising on H&S documentation, site management, deliveries, meetings and training.

Pete Walker, Forum member and Director of Health, Safety and Training at the British Constructional Steelwork Association, said: “Health and safety has never been more important, and it is paramount that it is not compromised at this crucial time.

“The entire sector is relieved about planning to getting back to delayed projects, but sites must be aware that there can be no derogation to the usual health and safety legislative requirements. If an activity cannot be undertaken safely, it should not be undertaken.”

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