While we are delighted to gradually bring our staff back on-site, our number one priority is to keep our operatives and their families safe during this difficult period. 

Like many working in the construction sector, Skill Scaffolding have slowly but surely started to bring workers back into the yard. It wasn’t a decision we rushed into; it was always our top priority to ensure our staff and their families remained safe and comfortable with their return to work.

Which is why we have developed our own checklist of social distancing measures to keep our staff safe as we adjust to a new way of working.

The checklist will be our rulebook to guarantee maximum health and safety for our workers so that they can feel happy and confident on-site.

We have decided to share the checklist for anyone who:

• Needs inspiration or guidance for bringing their own staff back into the yard
• Is considering bringing scaffolders onto a new project but isn’t sure whether it is safe to do so
• Family or friends of our operatives who need reassurance of our social distancing procedures

We hope this can help you all in some way – and if you have any ideas of measures to add to the list, please leave us a comment.

Social distancing measures in the construction yard from Skill Scaffolding.

1. Staggering the start times for teams
2. Reduced the amount of staff allowed in the yard at any one time
3. We are now taking the temperature of all operatives who enter the yard
4. The yards have staggered lorry bays
5. There are now increased washing facilities
6. We are minimising the frequency and time that workers are every within 2m of one another
7. We are minimising the number of workers involved in tasks
8. Workers are positioned side by side or facing away from each other (rather than face to face)
9. We are keeping the same operatives working together daily in case they develop symptoms and have to self isolate
10. Any staff driving vans, lorries or forklifts are now keeping the same vehicle to avoid cross contamination
11. We are also minimising the number of staff in any one vehicle
12. Where possible, staff will drive directly to site in their own vehicle
13. Every vehicle that is used will have a deep clean beforehand and after use
14. All staff are required to regularly wash their hands, forearms and face (especially before eating)
15. We have advised all teams to avoid using shops for lunch or refreshments
16. We encourage contact to be made by phone when and where possible
17. All staff now bring a change of clothes every day to minimise the risk put to families
18. We have issued extra PPE to all operatives

All new procedures have been put in place following site operating procedures laid out by the Construction Leadership Council. We are strictly following the NASC guidance for scaffolding operatives during the coronavirus pandemic; this will continue as we review and update our risk assessments and method statements for the foreseeable future.

From everyone here at Skill, we hope that this provides clarity and reassurance for you, your family and your staff.

If you would like to talk to us about our new procedures and safety requirements, please get in contact with a member of the Skill Scaffolding team.