SNIPEF

SNIPEF team members continue to play key roles in Scotland’s Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum with launch of key health and safety guidelines

Members of the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) executive team continue to play key roles in the vital work being done by Scotland’s Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum to represent the industry’s views on the Covid-19 crisis  to the Scottish and UK governments, the media, and all other engaged parties.

Now, as Scotland’s construction sector continues its recovery, the Forum has issued a raft of new health and safety guidance to help steer workers through the phased return. Seven new pieces of open source collateral offer in-depth industry advice on topics including face coverings, hand washing, domestic working and what to do if there is a case of COVID-19.

In addition, the Forum has updated its comprehensive 42-page document, COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance, which underpins the Safe Operating Guidance produced by Construction Scotland, Scottish Government and the wider industry.

SNIPEF chief executive, Fiona Hodgson, is not only a leading member of the main Forum board, but also of its commercial, future planning, skills and client sub-groups.

She said: “The Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group has worked collaboratively to produce clear and practical guidance that is easy to follow and which can be used immediately by businesses of all sizes to help in their ongoing return.

“I am proud of the key role my colleague Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF, has played in formulating the new health and safety guidelines. He has been instrumental in the development of the documents and our entire sector will benefit from his insight and exceptional contribution.”

The seven new guidance documents are available to download from the Forum website and cover:

• Advice for businesses carrying out non-essential domestic work
• Health and safety checklist before work is carried out
• Effective use of face coverings
• Good hygiene and hand washing
• A questionnaire for clients before site visits
• What to do if someone displays symptoms of COVID-19
• Template letter for confirmed cases of COVID-19

In addition, the COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance has been updated to reflect the latest developments on face coverings, physical distancing, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, with all new content clearly signposted.

Mr Raine said: “As the construction industry moves to the next stage of the phased return, it is vital that everyone works together to continue the excellent work done so far.

“Health and safety will be vital in the weeks and months ahead, and it’s paramount that we don’t compromise ourselves or our customers at this crucial time.

“The sector is relieved to be returning at last, but workers everywhere must be aware that there can be no let-up in health and safety awareness.”

Made up of more than 70 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, the Forum has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.

In addition to Fiona and Martyn, SNIPEF’s HR Manager, Stephanie Lowe, is active on the Forum’s employment sub-group, SNIPEF Communications Manager, Alicia Allen, is a member of the CCIV Forum communications sub-group and Dale Thomson, SNIPEF’s Training Manager, sits on a sub-group concerned with the Health & Safety provisions for apprentices.

Ms Hodgson said: “I continue to be proud of the way my SNIPEF colleagues are playing their part throughout; all of us determined to give our utmost to pave the way for a rapid, and safe return to work.

“The continuing uncertainty over a second wave of the Covid-19 Virus means that close adherence by all SNIPEF members to the health and safety measures set out by the Forum is more important than ever.”