Whilst a number of members have taken the extremely difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations in their workshops / manufacturing sites due to health and safety operating concerns, we know others are still working on site and safely managing to keep operations going.
Construction sites operating during the COVID-19 pandemic need to ensure that they are protecting their workforce and minimising the risk of spread of infection. It’s crucial that in doing this, the day-to-day (business as usual) health and safety practices on site are not compromised.
To help manage operations on site, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published its Site Operating Procedures developed by Build UK. This guidance has been recognised by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma MP, in an open letter to the UK’s construction sector. In this letter he thanks everyone ‘who are working tirelessly within the construction industry’ – click here to read the letter in full.
For those members working on site, the Construction Products Association have created a COVID-19 Essential Worker Authorisation letter template – click here to download to issue to employees.
As the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry, we are collating all member queries relating to COVID-19 and adding them to the dedicated FAQS section on bwf.org.uk – see https://www.bwf.org.uk/covid-19-faqs/ These FAQs are currently being updated daily and we would encourage any member who has a question that is not yet covered by the FAQs to contact us directly. The main point of contact for FAQs is Robert Allinson, BWF Membership Manager – tel. 07464 485738 / email robert.allinson@bwf.org.uk but of course our CEO, Helen Hewitt, is always on hand to answer queries – email helen.hewitt@bwf.org.uk
In addition, we are keeping a log of those members who have temporarily suspended operations. This information helps us understand how COVID-19 is impacting the industry and allows us to represent members when looking at government support packages. If you have had to temporarily close your business and haven’t already let us know, we would really appreciate you getting in touch – contact Helen Hewitt on helen.hewitt@bwf.org.uk
