The latest government update on the easing of lockdown restrictions in England, issued on 31st July and following a rise in the number of coronavirus cases, includes the following:
- whilst there are local restrictions on household contact in certain areas, there was no change to the advice for employers having the discretion to open offices and workplaces from 1st August;
- people who are clinically extremely vulnerable are no longer advised to shield and can return to work as long as their workplace is COVID-secure and they can maintain social distancing, although they are advised to carry on working from home if they can; and
- from 8th August, face coverings will become mandatory in more indoor places, including cinemas, museums and places of worship.
The site operating procedures state that government guidance (which includes any local authority requirements) must be followed, and in areas of localised lockdowns it is expected that sites will assess the local conditions and respond accordingly. This may include reverting to the social distancing practices in place prior to the easing of the national lockdown, such as not opening canteens and rigorously enforcing hygiene and cleaning regimes.
While home working has become the norm for a great many businesses, the opportunity to have more people working from their usual office building will be very welcome.
FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is dedicated to worker safety in the construction and FM sectors. We welcome the latest updates from the Government. While we remain vigilant that spikes in the virus are possible in different areas, as long as everyone exercises caution and observes the guidelines for the good of their own health and their colleagues, construction and FM will continue to enjoy a growing work funnel.
FASET is the not-for-profit organisation that promotes safety within the construction and FM sectors through training and guidance for its members. The ‘new normal’ has brought a wave of new challenges as well as opportunities and FASET exists to give its support individuals and organisations.
Image: health.mil
