‘Tentative reopening’ for UK job sites

The United Kingdom’s National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) reports that job sites across Britain have been “tentatively reopening” in recent weeks following government advice that the construction sector should continue while maintaining social distancing and other Coronavirus guidelines.

The NFDC said members had already been going to great lengths to avoid the spread of the virus on sites before Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s national address on May 10 and the publication of the relevant guidelines two days later.

However, the federation admitted that even with increased member activity, work levels would be far from “normal” in the near future.

Initiatives from the NFDC included issuing member companies with “Stay Safe – Avoid the Spread” signage, while a “Site Operating Procedures Toolbox Talk” was developed and issued for supervisors to deliver to their site operatives.

Measures taken by members include:

• Temperature controls taken with non-contact thermometers
• A reduced workforce based on computer aided design drawings reflecting social distancing
• Covid-19 marshals equipped with full PPE (personal protective equipment) to monitor distancing
• Staggered start and finish times
• Increased hand sanitisation stations
• Extended walkways
• Segregation of parking and bathroom facilities
• Upgraded PPE where possible including heavy duty goggles and permeable gloves
• Enhanced record keeping.

The federation added that demolition employers are also doing their utmost to encourage workforces to avoid public transport as per government guidelines.