Ken Gillespie, Construction Scotland, Industry Leadership Group and member of the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum Executive Group, has urged all of the construction industry to “play its part” during the latest lockdown by following safety measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and strictly follow the updated guidance. 

Construction companies and workers are urged to review safety in their own workplaces referring to the addendum to the guidance published by Construction Scotland.

The updated guidance reinforces measures already in place, reinstates previous, stricter requirements and introduces new measures.  These include stricter management of Toolbox Talks to avoid close contact, minimising of car sharing, home working where possible, increased ventilation, greater use of face coverings and stricter cleaning. 

Mr Gillespie said: “The new variant of the virus spreads more easily, so all the rules in place to protect you, your family and your community are more important than ever before.

“Recognising the new variant and the understanding of aerosol transmission between people inside at greater than 2m distance, the industry safe operating guidance has been strengthened and it is essential that everyone working in construction should revisit this guidance.

He said: “We are once again at a critical stage in controlling the virus and whilst we know that the vaccine is on its way there are tough weeks ahead and it is all of our responsibilities to play our part in stopping the spread.

“The relevant guidance is available to all. Please go now and review it for your workplace, reinforce messages to all team members and take whatever steps are necessary to make it as safe as it can practicably can be.”