The Government has confirmed that construction workers will be allowed to attend building sites while workers in other sectors have been advised to work from home if possible amid new COVID-19 restrictions. Employers in the sector must remain vigilant to ensure that they continue to fulfil their Health and Safety obligations.
In announcing the new measures intended to drive down a worrying spike in new infections, Boris Johnson confirmed that the construction industry would be exempt from the directive.
Johnson said: “No British Government would wish to stifle our freedoms in the ways that we have found necessary this year.
“Yet even now we can draw some comfort from the fact schools, universities, and places of worship are staying open, shops can serve their customers, construction workers can go to building sites and the vast majority of the UK economy can continue moving forwards.”
Coronavirus brings multiple risks for construction firms
As construction sites review staffing and potentially face multiple absences at short notice both on-site and within off-site support functions, appropriate steps in planning and risk assessment need to take place so that general safety is not sacrificed while work is made Covid-secure.
The Health & Safety executive (HSE) has produced an example risk assessment so that firms can assess direct and indirect risks to staff from the virus outbreak.
Bodies such as the HSE and RIDDOR provide clear information for employers on the steps they need to take to comply with legislation. If you are injured or become unwell at work as a result of a health & safety failing by your employer, you are entitled to seek compensation.
Work Claims Bureau have years of expertise in seeking maximum redress for those injured in accidents at work, including building site accidents and helping get workers’ lives back on track.
Get in touch with us today by completing our easy contact form and we’ll arrange a call to see how we can help you.
