Category: Covid-19 / Coronavirus

HSE Covid-19 Restrictions Update

COVID-19 restrictions are being replaced by public health advice
[HSE Update 27 APR 2022]

Guidance for workplaces is being replaced with public health advice:

You can check the latest position and timescales for Scotland on this webspage

HSE no longer requires every business to consider COVID-19 in their risk assessment or to have specific measures in place.

There is a requirement to protect those who come into contact with the virus due to their work activity.

HSE web page for workplaces on COVID-19 provides more information and links to public health and other government body advice.

You can find guidance on the circumstances when you should make a report under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

HSE will continue to expect employers to comply with the requirements for cleaning and ventilation in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Construction sites must provide adequate facilities in line with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

CITB Site Safety Plus Covid-19 Course Completed

Keenan CDM Certificate - CITB Site Safety Plus: Covid-19 Setting Up & Operating a Safe Construction SiteCITB Site Safety Plus:
Covid-19 Setting Up & Operating a Safe Construction Site

Anthony completed this course and passed the examination today. Another example of the extensive on-going training required of a modern CDM/H&S professional and the significant amount of time required to keep up to date in the field.

Clients: are those you appoint for CDM services keeping up to date with their Continual Professional Development to ensure they’re abreast of the latest developments, legislation and topical issues in the construction health & safety field?

You never ‘know it all’ and continual training is a must!

COVID-19 Design Considerations – Attention Designers!

DESIGNERS – Are you designing for Covid-19 to help eliminate ‘close working’ on site?

The CICV Forum’s Construction Operating Guidance (SOP) (v4 26th Aug at time of writing) includes a section on close working and how this can be eliminated via various methods, with the first example being via design as the extract below from page 27:

Stages of the construction process where <2m tasks can be eliminated/mitigated:
Design – Sections of materials are:

  • 2.5m long or longer, or
  • materials can be installed by an individual (i.e. lightweight materials and simplified fixings)
  • mechanical means for lifting and access can be used while keeping construction personnel >2m apart

Please consider these elimination/mitigation measures when preparing designs – essential when discharging your duties under the CDM Regs in relation to this foreseeable hazard.