CORONAVIRUS - 26.10.2020

Face coverings on construction sites

Current requirements. There is currently no requirement to wear face coverings or PPE in offices or whilst carrying out construction activities. However, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has updated its guidance and is recommending that site managers go beyond the bare minimum (see The next step ).

Setting the standard. The CLC is recommending that workers should wear face coverings in areas which are enclosed, where social distancing might be difficult, and where workers come into contact with others they do not normally meet. An example it gives it that within the site canteen, face coverings should be worn except while seated to eat and drink.

Note. Although these are guidelines rather than law, the CLC has established itself in providing sensible advice to the construction sector which is endorsed by the government. In truth, it’s hard to justify not following its recommendations.

Tip. The CLC suggests that you should not only encourage the wearing of face coverings, but also provide them. Given the relatively low cost, this is likely to be worthwhile as it will make it easier to enforce the wearing of them, and in turn make it less likely you’ll get struck down with an outbreak of coronavirus.

For a link to the latest CLC guidance, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk, Download Zone, year 19, issue 04.