In Covid update

CLC Site Operating Procedures Version 4 released

The Construction Leadership Council has published an updated Site Operating Procedures ver4, which replaces the Site Operating Procedures ver3, which is now withdrawn.

The SOP has been amended to reflect the technical changes made in the Government’s  recently published guidance on safety during coronavirus, which included updated guidance on construction and other outdoor work, as well as guidance for factories plants and warehouses

The new document includes the following changes:

  • Updated date and version number
  • Updated links and key wording on social distancing to align with latest Government guidance
  • All references to Public Health England (PHE) updated to Government at the request of PHE
  • Updated Government wording on when to travel to work from the Government’s Recovery Strategy  
  • Point included on one way systems to align with latest Government guidance
  • Updated to include use of portable toilets
  • Updated to state that risk assessments should be shared with the workforce to align with latest Government guidance
  • Removal of reference to face to face contact being 15 mins or less where possible to align with latest Government guidance
  • Updated PPE section to align with the latest Government guidance on PPE and face coverings

 

CITB checklists and guidance

CITB has produced a range of checklists to help employers implement the Site Operating Procedures in practice:

CITB have also released a complete library of 98 interactive checklists and forms from their GE700 Construction Site Safety publication for free download. The comprehensive range of checklists and forms are designed to help with the day-to-day management of construction sites.

 

HSE to maintain regulatory functions

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a statement on how it will maintain its regulatory functions as businesses return to work. This will include conducting visits to business premises and sites in line with social distancing regulations, as well as targeted proactive inspection work of high-risk industries including construction.

 

Build UK Materials Survey

Build UK is conducting a Materials Survey assess anticipated demand for products and materials over the next few months in a bid to help keep supply chains open. ASFP members are encouraged complete the survey which closes at 5:00pm today (19 May).

 

Coronavirus testing

The Government has extended the criteria under which people in England can receive testing for Coronavirus to include anyone over the age of five showing symptoms. This enables construction workers that show symptoms to get tested. Click to apply for testing.

 

Government issues transport guidance

The Government has issued a range of All the latest guidance for people using transport or working in the transport sector. This includes Guidance for passengers on how to travel safely as well as Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators to help organisations, agencies and others (such as self-employed transport providers) understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for workers and passengers across all modes of private and public  transport.

 

Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme extended

The Treasury announced on 19 May that it has extended the value of loans available to larger businesses via the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) from £50 million to £200 million.

Companies borrowing more than £50 million through CLBILS will be subject to restrictions on dividend payments, senior pay and share buy-backs during the period of the loan, including a ban on dividend payments and cash bonuses, except where they were previously agreed. These restrictions will also apply to Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) participants that wish to borrow money beyond 12 months from 19 May.

 

Government to offer Trade Credit Insurance support

The Government has announced that it will offer support to businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus

The Government will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance, ensuring the majority of insurance coverage will be maintained across the market. This has been an important issue for manufacturing and construction supply chains. Due to Coronavirus and businesses struggling to pay bills, many have faced having credit insurance withdrawn, or premiums increasing to unaffordable levels.

The Government guarantees will be delivered through a temporary reinsurance agreement, with insurers currently operating in the market and will cover trading by domestic and exporting firms. The agreements with insurers are to be in place by the end of May and will provisionally last until the end of the year.

 

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

Applications opened on 13 May for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant. This allows self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus to apply for a grant worth up to 80% of their average monthly trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500).

 

Covid-19 case studies

The Construction Industry Coronavirus Task Force has published a new website to showcase the construction industry’s response to Covid-19. Case studies are listed in four categories – building NHS capacity; donating PPE; safeguarding workers; and helping communities. To submit a case study to the site, please e-mail: hustongilmore@ceca.co.uk

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