Additional Information
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Guidance for on-site construction sites
Langley, supported by CIC, has produced a short video that demonstrates safe and responsible guidance for workers on construction sites operating during the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, to ensure the protection of the workforce and minimise the risk of spread of infection.
This guidance advises how consistent measures on sites, of all sizes, can be responsibly and safely undertaken with adherence to the Government’s recommendations on social distancing.
To help ensure the safe operation on site within the construction industry , it has worked to develop site operating procedures, published by the Construction Leadership Council.
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CEF RETURN TO SITE HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE
CEF have made TV and media statements regarding the release of the HSENI endorsed guidance and example materials prepared by our Cvoid-19 Task Force and now available from our
website.
The on-line resources are freely available to all construction contractors, professionals and clients and we urge all those engaged in the industry to take the time to fully understand and utilise these resources when preparing their own revised working practices before commencing a phased soft mobilisation back to sites.
Whilst there is now industry specific guidance for healthy and safe working available, the message is unchanged, if you cannot work safely following the guidance, do not work.
Where you can work safely within the evolving guidance, you should liaise closely with your staff and clients to ensure their understanding of the new procedures before returning to site. Clients must understand that adapting and complying with the new good practice has implications for productivity and cost. Contractors should engage with clients to flag the expected costs and extended programmes inherent in adhering to the health and safety working guidelines relevant to each project. The CEF calls on clients to be flexible and collaborative in agreeing revised programmes and budgets that incorporate the new ways of working.
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CEF - RETURN TO SITE GUIDANCE UPDATES
We continue to add resources to our Covid-19 Health & Safety Guidance including new resources from CITB(GB) such as daily site checklist, toolbox talk.
Also added is the UK Government ‘Working safely during Covid 19 in construction and other outdoor work’.
https://www.cefni.co.uk/news/covid-19-safety-guidance
Employers:
guidance is now live on changes to the Job Retention Scheme, including more flexibility on bringing employees back to work from July and employer contributions from August. Flexible furloughing enables you to bring the workforce back in a staggered way while continuing to receive financial support under the Scheme. However, you will need to plan carefully. For example, you will need to:
• think about the hours and shift patterns that you want employees to work on their return.
• communicate and consult with previously furloughed employees;
• agree any contractual changes and confirm them in writing;
• consider the impact the financial tapering will have; and
• decide your claim period.
The guidance is lengthy but clear and there are supporting examples. It is important to share this updated guidance with your payroll staff and plan carefully how to implement it across your workforce.
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MPA - Covid Return to Work Handbooks:
Covid Return to Work Handbook for Managers
Covid Return to Work Handbook for Employees
IPAF COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance - Using MEWPs, MCWPs and Hoists
This document is intended to provide practical guidance on safety measures to minimise exposure to COVID-19 for anyone using MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms), MCWPs (mast climbing work platforms) or Construction hoists for work activities. The guidance covers social distancing and safety/hygiene requirements which aim to reduce the risk of infection to all personnel involved.
Download the new guidance document now at www.ipaf.org/en/resources. The document is available in English and will be available in other languages shortly. |
NI Safety Group
The Construction Response to COVID-19 website has many illustrations on the methods used in this sector to safeguard their employees.
The ‘safeguard workers’ page shows 25 examples from major contractors on how their workers stay safe.
Starting today HSE and the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy are hosting a series of free webinars on making your workplace COVID-19 secure.
The 8 webinars cover working in –
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Factories, plants and warehouses
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Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
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Shops & branches
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Vehicles
A useful guide about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Construction Industry Helpline
The Construction Industry Helpline provides a 24/7 safety net for all construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland. It is a charitable service funded by the industry. https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/
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Construction Roadmap to Recovery Plan Published
Plans for a post-Covid-19 revival of the UK construction sector have now been published.
The Construction Leadership Council’s Covid-19 Task Force has laid out proposals to secure the future of construction businesses nationwide, while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery.
The roadmap to recovery plan can be downloaded here.
The task force is now engaging with Government to test how the plan's proposals might be delivered.
The Apprenticeship Recovery Package for Northern Ireland September 2020
The Department for the Economy (DfE) has been developing an Apprenticeship Recovery Package for Northern Ireland that will channel financial support to local businesses to help the apprenticeship system respond to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Apprenticeship Recovery Package includes short term interventions which are targeted to reduce significant longer term economic impacts. These interventions aim to reduce unemployment and ensure that employers continue to have access to people with the skills and qualifications needed to maintain productivity, to grow their businesses and to assist in closing the skills gap, ensuring that more people have a pathway to better paying jobs.
More detailed information on the individual measures contained within the recovery package can be found below:
1) News story on the package of support available: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-apprenticeship-recovery-package
2) Apprenticeship Return, Retain and Result Scheme: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-apprenticeship-return-retain-result-scheme
3) Recruitment of New Apprenticeships: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-recruitment-new-apprenticeships
4) Apprenticeship Challenge Fund: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-apprenticeship-challenge-fund
- Companies affected by COVID-19 can recruit a funded intern from Ulster University Graduate Leadership Programme - find out more here
Covid-19 Process & Organisational Improvement Grant (PIOG):
This scheme has been launched by the NI Executive and Invest NI to help businesses accelerate the benefits of digital technology. Find out more here.
Local Councils - funding/grants available:
Enterprise Fund developing young businesses taking the next step in their growth plan - Causeway Coast & Glens BC
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, opening 4 May closing 31 May 22:
Ards & North Down BC
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon BC
Newry, Mourne & Down BC
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a statement on the use of face coverings on
construction sites in response to coronavirus to help provide a consistent approach across the industry.
It is based on Government guidance in England and other restrictions and advice may apply in Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland.
Find out more
(3) Online Webinars/Courses