Build UK Update

Source - Build UK 

New Site Operating Procedures Now Available
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.

Cases of coronavirus are increasing across all four nations, and sites are urged to remind the workforce of the importance of social distancing outside of work, in order to protect themselves and others and help keep construction sites open.

Please note that you may need to refresh your browser cache in order to view the latest version of the Site Operating Procedures by pressing Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac).

Wales ‘Fire Break’ Lockdown
Restrictions are being increased across the four nations to tackle the second wave of coronavirus, and First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced a national lockdown in Wales from Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November. This will affect tradespeople working inside people’s homes, and the Welsh Government has stated in its Frequently Asked Questions that “work carried out inside other people’s homes can only take place if it is urgent or to repair a fault which poses a direct risk to people’s safety”. It goes on to say that work that is already underway cannot be completed “unless the work is urgent or it would be unsafe to leave the work incomplete”.

Construction sites and work outside or in unoccupied homes can continue and these workers should still travel to work. In the event of workers being stopped on journeys to and from sites, Build UK has produced an authorisation letter template for employers which may be helpful.

Brexit Update
With the Prime Minister’s deadline for Brexit negotiations with the EU having now passed, Build UK has joined the CBI and 71 other organisations to issue a joint statement calling for a trade agreement to be reached and reiterating the dangers of ‘no deal’ for businesses.

The Government is urging businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and the CLC is publishing guidance on a range of issues, including data protection and GDPR, the new immigration system, and the movement of goods and materials. Businesses can use the Government’s checker tool to confirm exactly what they need to do, and there is a free construction webinar on Wednesday 28 October at 11:00am which will provide further sector‐specific information.