Mark Beard
Construction firm Beard has kept 90% of its sites open during the coronavirus lockdown while following the Site Operating Procedures set out by the Construction Leadership Council, as it tries to break the “vicious cycle” of closures.
Beard, whose work includes medical research facilities, special needs schools and Ministry of Defence projects, has introduced additional safety measures including lengthening the working day and resequencing work to allow different workers to be on site at different times and minimise the need for contact.
The changes, along with the enforced absence of some workers, have resulted in a reduction in operational capacity of around 50%, but site work continues.
However, the firm faces another challenge in the form of a lack of availability of building materials. Beard said it has engaged with industry leaders and trade bodies such as the Construction Products Association (CPA) and received assurances that materials are available. While some builders’ merchants have been forced to close, many are still trading and able to supply sites that remain open. Beard added that it was also working with the CPA to identify specific supply bottlenecks and support industry-wide action where necessary to address these issues.
Mark Beard, chairman of Beard, said: “The safety of all those working for us, and of the general public, is always our top priority. We are doing everything we can to ensure our sites are as safe as possible, and we will never put pressure on anybody to work on-site when they should be self-isolating.
“We respect other firms’ decision to close sites, but the government has given the industry a clear steer that it wants construction work to continue where possible. We are putting in every possible measure to follow this steer and continue to operate as many sites as we can.
“When sites close, that results in a fall in demand for materials, and builders’ merchants shutting their doors. This can lead to a vicious circle with more sites being forced to shut, due to a lack of demand for materials.
“In response to the government’s urgings to carry on working, to honour our commitments to clients, and to keep as many staff and subcontractors in productive work as possible, we are determined to do our bit to help turn the current vicious circle into a virtuous cycle.”
