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Spring 2021 37 I ndustry forums within the Scottish construction industry have been united in their actions to protect workers from Covid-19 since the start of the year. The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, set up in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies and over 100 individuals. Since its inception, it’s campaigned for a consistent approach to the issues facing the industry, arguing that a common goal is more effective and mutually beneficial. It echoed calls for the industry to “play its part” during lockdown ¬and has urged workers to keep following vital health and safety guidance. Contractors were reminded to observe new rules when the Scottish Government strengthened lockdown restrictions in January, making the ‘stay at home’ guidance enforceable by law. The Forum reinforced pleas by fellow construction bodies for everyone in the sector to take responsibility. Managing Director of SELECT and Chair of the Forum, Alan Wilson, said at the time that tradespeople should only leave home to carry out essential work while Vaughan Hart, Manging Director of the Scottish Building Federation and co-Chair of the Forum’s Skills and Workforce Group, said the Forum was continuing to work closely with Scottish Government to help make the return to work safe for contractors. He said: “We will do all we can to cooperate and continue to play our part in finding a solution that will both help Scotland rebuild and help the construction industry recover from the pandemic. In the short term, that means continuing to issue clear and concise guidance that will help workers work safely and stay free from harm.” Ken Gillespie, Construction Scotland, Industry Leadership Group and member of the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum Executive Group, also urged all of the construction industry to “play its part” by following safety measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and strictly follow the updated guidance. Updated guidance by Construction Scotland includes stricter management of Toolbox Talks to avoid close contact, minimising of car sharing, home working where possible, increased ventilation, greater use of face coverings and stricter cleaning. Ken said: “The relevant guidance is available to all. Please go now and review it for your workplace, reinforce messages to all team members and take whatever steps are necessary to make it as safe as it can practicably can be.” << www.hae.org.uk www.eha.org.uk UNITED FRONT FOR SCOTTISH CONSTRUCTION GROUPS Updated guidance by Construction Scotland includes stricter management of Toolbox Talks to avoid close contact, minimising of car sharing, home working where possible, increased ventilation, greater use of face coverings and stricter cleaning. Ken Gillespie

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