Site Operating Procedures (SOP) During COVID-19
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Working from home became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic and several industries that never thought a working from home arrangement would work given the industry’s unique requirements realised that with the right equipment, it was possible to have employees work remotely.
However, not all industries could adapt to this new working arrangement. The construction industry, for instance, cannot operate remotely and employees will be required to be present at their job site. In order to ensure the safety of people working in construction, Site Operating Procedures or SOP have been published by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)
In a letter dated 31 March, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma wrote, “These align with the latest guidance from Public Health England. As this health guidance updates, the SOP will reflect any changes.”
According to CLC Co-Chair Andy Mitchell, it is vital that health and safety requirements are not compromised and that activity should not take place if it cannot be carried out safely due to a lack of suitably qualified personnel or the implementation of social distancing.
The Site Operating Procedures are available on the Construction Leadership Council website and any construction or building project management companies operating during the pandemic must adhere to the guidelines.
Travelling to Work
A company like R&M Bespoke Living Spaces, which is known for its bespoke interior design and bespoke furniture design, will ensure all safety measures are taken when allocating a team for a project. As per the SOP, workers are advised to travel to site alone using their own transport.
However, if workers have no option but to share transport, it is recommended that journeys are shared between the same individuals, with the minimum number of people at any one-time, good ventilation, and regularly cleaned vehicles.
Construction sites are also advised to consider parking arrangements for additional vehicles, other means of transport to avoid public transport, and hand cleaning facilities at entrances and exits.
Site Access
Building works require large teams of workers and even a company that specialises in bespoke joinery or bespoke furniture design will have skilled and talented personnel working on various projects.
Construct or building project management companies will also have various visitors, from clients to other industry professionals. During the global pandemic, however, building works are advised to stop all non-essential visitors and consider introducing staggered start and finish times to reduce congestion and contact.
Site Operating Procedures also recommend planning and changing access and egress points to enable social distancing, introducing a one-way system, and using necessary signage.
Hand Washing and Toilets
When it comes to hand washing, a company like R&M Bespoke Living Spaces is advised to allow regular breaks to wash hands and provide additional hand washing facilities that are spread throughout the site. In addition to this, construction companies are asked to regularly clean these facilities and provide hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are not available.
As for toilet facilities, SOP outlines that the number of people using them at any one time should be restricted, signage should be used where required, and employees must be required to wash their hands before and after using these facilities.
Cleaning of toilet facilities, especially door handles, locks, and the toilet flush, must be enhanced and sufficient and suitable rubbish bins must be provided.
Canteens
People in building works or building project management should be encouraged to bring their own food and avoid using local shops once they have entered the site. Workplace canteens can provide food to staff but must practice social distancing and provide wrapped takeaway food only.
Close Working
Activities should be planned so that social distancing guidelines are adhered to and sites must plan and organise so they avoid crowding. Reminders to employees of specific control measures necessary to protect themselves, their colleagues, families, and the rest of the country are also recommended.
If an activity cannot be carried out whilst maintaining a two-metre distance, it is vital that the building works company considers if the activity should continue. If it should, the company must risk assessing it using the hierarchy of controls included in the SOP.
Site Operating Procedures (SOP) During COVID-19
Working from home became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic and several industries that never thought a working from home arrangement would work given the industry’s unique requirements realised that with the right equipment, it was possible to have employees work remotely.
However, not all industries could adapt to this new working arrangement. The construction industry, for instance, cannot operate remotely and employees will be required to be present at their job site. In order to ensure the safety of people working in construction, Site Operating Procedures or SOP have been published by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)
In a letter dated 31 March, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma wrote, “These align with the latest guidance from Public Health England. As this health guidance updates, the SOP will reflect any changes.”
According to CLC Co-Chair Andy Mitchell, it is vital that health and safety requirements are not compromised and that activity should not take place if it cannot be carried out safely due to a lack of suitably qualified personnel or the implementation of social distancing.
The Site Operating Procedures are available on the Construction Leadership Council website and any construction or building project management companies operating during the pandemic must adhere to the guidelines.
Travelling to Work
A company like R&M Bespoke Living Spaces, which is known for its bespoke interior design and bespoke furniture design, will ensure all safety measures are taken when allocating a team for a project. As per the SOP, workers are advised to travel to site alone using their own transport.
However, if workers have no option but to share transport, it is recommended that journeys are shared between the same individuals, with the minimum number of people at any one-time, good ventilation, and regularly cleaned vehicles.
Construction sites are also advised to consider parking arrangements for additional vehicles, other means of transport to avoid public transport, and hand cleaning facilities at entrances and exits.
Site Access
Building works require large teams of workers and even a company that specialises in bespoke joinery or bespoke furniture design will have skilled and talented personnel working on various projects.
Construct or building project management companies will also have various visitors, from clients to other industry professionals. During the global pandemic, however, building works are advised to stop all non-essential visitors and consider introducing staggered start and finish times to reduce congestion and contact.
Site Operating Procedures also recommend planning and changing access and egress points to enable social distancing, introducing a one-way system, and using necessary signage.
Hand Washing and Toilets
When it comes to hand washing, a company like R&M Bespoke Living Spaces is advised to allow regular breaks to wash hands and provide additional hand washing facilities that are spread throughout the site. In addition to this, construction companies are asked to regularly clean these facilities and provide hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are not available.
As for toilet facilities, SOP outlines that the number of people using them at any one time should be restricted, signage should be used where required, and employees must be required to wash their hands before and after using these facilities.
Cleaning of toilet facilities, especially door handles, locks, and the toilet flush, must be enhanced and sufficient and suitable rubbish bins must be provided.
Canteens
People in building works or building project management should be encouraged to bring their own food and avoid using local shops once they have entered the site. Workplace canteens can provide food to staff but must practice social distancing and provide wrapped takeaway food only.
Close Working
Activities should be planned so that social distancing guidelines are adhered to and sites must plan and organise so they avoid crowding. Reminders to employees of specific control measures necessary to protect themselves, their colleagues, families, and the rest of the country are also recommended.
If an activity cannot be carried out whilst maintaining a two-metre distance, it is vital that the building works company considers if the activity should continue. If it should, the company must risk assessing it using the hierarchy of controls included in the SOP.
