Construction sites are keen to get back to work to deliver projects and now, more than ever, the provision of a quality assured water supply on site is critical.
Over the course of the last month, the whole country has had to change the way it lives and works. The construction sector has been hit hard with projects worth well over £100Bn suddenly on hold and a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety around if and how sites can remain operational.
The revival of the construction sector is now seen as critical to weathering the economic storm that has come about as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Where construction companies had suspended work, many are now planning staged reopening of sites over the coming weeks.
The Government is sending a clear message that sites can open again- where companies are confident that they can operate safely- and has set out the steps that should be taken to promote personal welfare and social distancing. Effective measures will protect the health of the workforce and public and minimise the risk of spreading.
To be compliant with government guidance, companies are required to provide facilities to enable staff to wash their hands frequently using soap and water. It is advised to do so:
- Before entering and leaving the site
- Before and after unloading goods and materials
- Before and after using welfare or catering facilities.
In order to facilitate this, it is advisable that companies should consider adding additional hand washing locations, especially on extensive sites or those with significant numbers of personnel. Soap and fresh water must be readily available and kept topped up, regardless of the size or population of a site.
In addition, drinking water alternatives such as bottled water can be provided to workers, to minimise shared use of taps and fountains for drinking water.