Health guidance for construction updated

Public Health England and the Scottish and Welsh Governments have published health updates in respect of construction sites and social distancing requirements.

Late last night, Public Health England (PHE) issued new guidance on Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus crisis (COVID-19), which includes specific guidance for a number of sectors including: Construction, Tradespeople and working in people’s homes, and manufacturing and processing businesses.

This followed publication of construction sector guidance by the Scottish Government, setting out what it considers to be essential projects that can continue working. It also confirmed what are considered to be non-essential services that, subject to limited exceptions, should be halted at this stage.

The Welsh Government also published guidance on Taking all reasonable measures to maintain physical distancing in the workplace, following the introduction of Regulation 7A of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

The CLC Site Operating Procedures will be reviewed as a priority in light of the latest guidance for each nation, and an update following the daily Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Task Force will follow.

Build UK advises that firms should continue to follow the most up-to-date Government guidance.