In light of new guidance across the UK, FIS provides some vital updates below:

Contact Tracing App Launched

The NHS COVID‐19 app has been launched in England and Wales to help control the spread of coronavirus. Although not legally required to do so, construction sites can create a unique NHS QR code and posters to display at each site entrance. Sites can also play their part by encouraging their workforce to download and use the app outside of work

Face Coverings (England)

This week we have seen the increased requirements for the wearing of face coverings in specified places announced this week.

There are no additional specific requirements for construction sites however the requirement for face coverings to be worn in premises providing hospitality (bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes), except when seated at a table to eat or drink applies to canteens.

The CLC has reviewed its guidance on The Use of Face Coverings in Construction and is proposing to update its position as below.

CLC position

Where workers on site are not required to wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and their workplace (which may include welfare and changing facilities, site offices or site meeting rooms) meets all of the criteria below, their employer should make face coverings available and they should be worn:

    • an enclosed space;
    • where social distancing isn’t always possible; and
    • where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.

In line with Government guidance on premises providing hospitality, face coverings must be worn in canteens except when seated at a table to eat or drink.

This document will remain as guidance for employers with the objective of achieving a consistent approach across the industry.

Further information on use of face coverings and guidance for the Finishes and Interiors Sector is available in the FIS H&S Toolkit

Car Sharing (Scotland)

In her update this week the First Minister stated:

“The last new restriction I want to cover today relates to travelling by car. It may seem minor but it is important.  We know, again from Test & Protect data, that sharing car journeys presents a significant risk of transmission.  We are therefore advising against car sharing with people outside your own household.  We are therefore advising against car sharing with people outside your own household.”

This has been reviewed through the CICV in Scotland H&S working group and the conclusion is that there is no need change to the advice previously issued is required.

It remains the official advice from Transport Scotland:

There remains occasions when there is no alternative but to travel with people from out with your household. This should be limited as much as possible.  On such occasions, you should:

  • keep to small groups of people, up to 6 at any one time
  • keep your distance and take care entering and exiting the vehicle
  • sit as far apart as possible in the vehicle, avoiding face-to-face
  • maintain good ventilation by keeping the car windows open
  • wear a face-covering, unless you are exempt
  • clean your hands before and after your journey
  • if the vehicle is your responsibility, clean the door handles and other areas that people touch.
  • If you regularly share transport whether it is a car or minibus or other private vehicle, try and share with the same people each time

Full details from Transport Scotland here

Guidance on complying with restrictions in Scotland is available in the Finishes and Interiors Sector is available in the FIS H&S Toolkit

Coronavirus Testing

If a member of the workforce shows any of the three main COVID‐19 symptoms, they should get a test within five days and self‐isolate until they have received their test result. In accordance with Government guidance, colleagues who were in close contact do not need to self‐isolate, unless requested to do so by NHS Test and Trace. They should be informed that a colleague (who should remain anonymous) may have COVID‐19 and they should take extra care in practising social distancing and good hygiene.

Employers who are informed of more than one confirmed case should contact their local Public Health England Health Protection Team