THE Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum is urging the sector’s workforce to wear face coverings properly.
The call follows the news that, as things stand, Scotland’s construction industry will remain open despite the announcement of new lockdown measures in Scotland.
The group has launched an animation and downloadable infographic to remind workers that it is vitally important to help protect everyone by following the rules and using the right face covering in the right way.
It has also reinforced its ongoing reminders to workers about travelling and working in domestic projects safely and also staying Covid-aware in their social lives – as well as a reminder to the public to allow construction operatives to carry out their work unhindered.
Titled Mask for Task: Cover for Covid the guide details that workers should wear the appropriate respirator or mask that the task demands and that a face covering of suitable material should be worn when moving around site.
Specific instructions also explain how to – and how not to – wear face coverings, as well as instructions for taking care of personal protective equipment – such as storing masks in a sealable bag when not in use
Rebecca Crosland, health and safety adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association and chair of the CICV Forum’s health and safety sub-group, said, “With essential construction work being allowed to continue during lockdown, it is incumbent on everyone working in the sector to ensure that they are operating safely, whatever their capacity. One of the most direct ways of doing this is to ensure correct mask use, which our latest infographic and animation promotes. The information is easy to follow and will help operatives protect themselves and their colleagues, customers, friends and family.
“We are also repeating our other range of health and safety messaging about travel, social distancing and domestic work to ensure everyone is clear on exactly what behaviours are required at all times.”
Iain Mason, director of membership and communications at SELECT and chair of the CICV Forum’s communications sub-group, added, “Since the CICV Forum was established, our animations and infographics have proved effective tools and helped us deliver essential messaging to an extremely wide audience. The new animation is designed to be shared on social media and the poster can be downloaded free of charge from our website. Both reinforce the responsibility that everyone in construction shares to make sure that they use the correct face covering for the correct situation, worn in the correct manner.”
