More than two months have passed now, 10 weeks of Lockdown in the London region in its efforts to slow down the spread of the Coronavirus. This has inevitably had an impact on all industries around the UK, including the scaffolding and construction industry.
How has Coronavirus affected Scaffolding Direct London?
The country’s lockdown caused difficulties for construction sites and scaffolding companies, including Scaffolding Direct London, in remaining operational. As some restrictions are being lifted, work has resumed but with notable modifications.
The Coronavirus has greatly impacted the way the scaffolding and construction industry functions and this will continue to be the case for many more months. How exactly has the virus impacted Scaffolding Direct London?
Training and Courses
When Boris Johnson announced on the 23rd March 2020 that the United Kingdom was going into Lockdown – well people were urged to “stay at home”, schools, colleges and universities were told to close its doors for the foreseeable future, as well as training centres and other educational buildings.
The pandemic caused the complete halt of scaffolding training, leading to some scaffolders missing out on important training that ensures high levels of scaffolding safety. Additionally, some workers are waiting for the chance to renew their CISRS Cards.
However, with some of the restrictions easing, some scaffolding training can resume as early as June 2020.
To overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, experts have sought alternative methods for scaffolding professionals to keep learning, such as through online or socially-distanced training facilities.
Procedures on Scaffolding Sites
With the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the government has emphasized the importance of continuing construction work while following recommended guidelines, presenting a challenge for the scaffolding industry.
In order to protect scaffolding workers from the usual hazards on construction sites and to prevent the spread of the virus, it is crucial to follow recommended guidelines for social distancing. Although the guidance provided is generic, training providers are exploring ways to make it practical and applicable to scaffolding industry.
Here at Scaffolding Direct London, we have shared our internal guidance for our scaffolders produced by London Council on some of the ways to social distance while working or outside.
- Lone travelling
- not mixing with work groups
- One-way systems
- Staggered shift and break times
- Hand-sanitiser on site
- More space in break out and wash room facilities
- Limiting the number of workers using hoists and lifts
- Regularly cleaning equipment and common touch points (e.g. buttons and handles)
Our team is continuing to adapt to these new measures and ensure safety that not only complies with Government guidelines, but that we also provide advice and guidance on issues that could face our scaffolding contractors.
Contact Us
If you require support with health and safety or would like to receive a quote for one of our scaffolding services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team will be happy to provide you with the right advice and assistance you need.
