29/06/2020 in Blogs COVID-19 by Emily Taylor - Marketing Manager

COVID-19 resources for the UK scaffolding industry

The construction and scaffolding industries are steadily getting back to work during the COVID-19 outbreak, with projects restarting around the world. But in this ‘new normal’, what guidance and resources are available to help support contractors and their workers protect themselves from the risks associated with the coronavirus?

Advice from the Government and Public Health England is frequently changing in relation to construction and working outdoors within the UK. Contractors and workers can stay up-to-date with the guidance by visiting the GOV.UK website here.

The NASC has published detailed guidance on how to work safely onsite during the coronavirus outbreak. The formal document gives a specific range of advice to safeguard the health and well-being of scaffolders and is being updated as the UK government guidance changes. Download the PDF here.
The Scaffolding Association has developed a range of Scaffolding Industry Guidance Notes (SIGNS) for a range of issues covering the industry at this time. These include scaffolding inspections, mental, social and physical well-being, and risk considerations. Download the documents direct from their website by clicking here.
Site operation procedures have also been published for the general construction industry by the Construction Leadership Council. Their guidance is regularly being updated in accordance with Government guidance. Find the latest version here.

Trade credit insurance guidance has been documented by the Construction Leadership Council. This resource provides important information and links on the Trade Credit Reinsurance Scheme that was announced by the UK Government on 4th June 2020. View the PDF here.
Smaller businesses are supported by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. More information on this can be found here.
Changes to the UK’s Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) can be found on the UK.GOV website.

CISRS has issued a statement about the expiry and renewal of cards. Recognising that renewal is difficult during the outbreak, cardholders are advised to attend required courses once providers have reopened. In the meantime, letters are being issues to request that individuals be allowed to continue work. The full statement can be read here.
CITB has refreshed it’s Skills and Training fund to support businesses throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. The fund has been expanded to support business sustainability; the focus being broadened from productivity and innovation to helping employers with sustainability and skill retention. More details can be found here.
CITB has also suspended industry levy collection until August 2020. Read more here.