Calls for better adherence to workplace pandemic safety procedures have come from three industry and safety bodies this week.
The British Safety Council has called on the government to mount a campaign to persuade employers to improve workplace controls to help combat new COVID variant.
“We are being told by experts that we are in the eye of the storm, and workplaces seem to be at the centre of that eye,” said chairman Lawrence Waterman.
“It requires more public health messaging to restrict work to where it is really required, so that more people can remain in relative isolation, and better funding to help employers and employees to do this.
“It may also mean that collectively we should consider much wider shift working, even half day, morning and afternoon, and improving community protection in every workplace, such as requiring the wearing of face masks in indoor workplaces.”
The Glass & Glazing Federation issued a statement, where chairman John Agnew said: “In the light of continuing high numbers of cases, fatalities and hospitalisations due to Covid-19, it is vital that not only GGF Members, but all companies in the industry adhere to the GGF and Government Safe Guidance.
“From the recent Government updates and statistics, the Covid-19 situation has been deteriorating. It’s therefore imperative that all companies continuing to operate in our industry, follow the GGF and Government Safe Guidance to protect the NHS and save lives.”
He added: “The GGF Guidance urges home improvement companies to cease until further notice, activities such as door to door selling, canvassing and in-house pre-booked selling. All sales activity should be done remotely, i.e. by phone, email or video call.”
Meanwhile, 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.
He said: “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.
“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.”
