Our ‘on the ground’ team have now been back on site for five months; here’s how we’re prioritising scaffolding safety during COVID-19. 

While safety requirements and social restrictions around the country continue to change, here at Skill Scaffolding one thing has stayed the same: our approach to scaffolding safety during COVID-19.

We know you’ve heard the phrase a thousand times, but we really are all navigating the ‘new normal’. And – even as restrictions ease – these safety systems will remain in place.

We want our staff, their families, our suppliers and our clients to feel 100% comfortable and protected.

It’s our top priority; it always has been, long before the challenges of 2020.

Which is why we have social distancing and COVID-secure checklist in place for all workers. We’ve made this checklist readily available for anyone who wants to see it, incase they:

• Needs inspiration or guidance for their own scaffolding or construction team
• Are considering hiring scaffolders to advance a project, but are nervous about scaffolding safety during COVID
• Are family or friends of our staff and need reassurance of our social distancing procedures

We hope that this checklist shows you how seriously we are taking the pandemic, as well as our dedication to protect every single person involved in the Skill machine.

Scaffolding safety during COVID-19; the Skill Scaffolding checklist.

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

These procedures strictly follow the NASC guidance for scaffolding operatives during the coronavirus pandemic; we will review, adapt and update them as we carry out ongoing risk assessments and method statements.

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 procedures and safety requirements, please get in contact with a member of the Skill Scaffolding team.