ASUC – Trade association statement in relation to COVID 19 and our Construction sites.
20th October 2020: The CLC Site Operating Procedures have been updated to version 6, which can be found here.
The Site Operating Procedures have been updated to reflect recent changes in Government guidance. Whilst there are no significant changes to social distancing requirements on sites, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has taken the opportunity to streamline the Site Operating Procedures whilst maintaining the familiar format.
Changes to the Site Operating Procedures ‐ Version 6 include:
- Current requirements such as social distancing are referenced on page 1 making it easier to update in future
- The CLC statement on The Use of Face Coverings is included
- Updated guidance on shielding, self‐isolation, testing and what to do if a worker develops COVID‐19 symptoms or has to self‐isolate, including a link to Build UK’s flowchart
- Confirmation that canteens serving food must display an NHS QR Code
- The wording has been reviewed throughout to reflect the fact that social distancing is no longer exceptional, and that in some key areas Government has published more detailed guidance or updated terminology.
ASUC’s message remains simple, if you cannot comply with the Site Operating Procedures (SOP) and government instructions including HSE then close your sites down.
We have reviewed the Build UK/CLC document Site operating procedures (version 6) – Protecting your workforce Found Here and the government information Full guidance on staying at home and away from others Found Here and Health and Safety Regulations and law and the implications on our members works that falls into three main categories 1) Domestic work 2) Open site works and 3) Retro fit Basement construction.
We have now concluded that our members cannot continue to operate on sites where these procedures cannot be strictly adhered to for the following reasons:
The 2m rule cannot be adopted either in travelling to work or working on site in most circumstances. We note the only exception would be in a domestic environment for emergency works. Therefore, we have recommended to our membership that all sites once made safe should be closed for the immediate future where the SOP cannot be adopted.
We understand that this will present issues on site, but the safety and welfare of our members workforce and their families has to be paramount in these unprecedented times.
Further in the light of industry comment regarding Breach of Contract and Force Majeure, ASUC will fully support its membership with Legal and Contract support should that prove necessary.
KEEP SAFE EVERYONE AND SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!
