The construction sector in Scotland has today entered the first phase of its restart plan following the coronavirus lockdown.
Phase one of Scotland’s six-phase restart plan involves
pre-start site preparation. Phase two, which involves a soft start to works
only where physical distancing can be maintained, will follow consultation with
government to make sure it is safe to do so, although the Scottish government
did not offer a timeline for this.
The changes, announced by first minister Nicola Sturgeon,
came at the same time as some wider relaxation of restrictions on outdoor
activity as of today, with two households allowed to meet in outdoor spaces up
to a suggested maximum of eight people.
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The six phases of progress towards the restart of
non-essential operations in Scotland are:
- Phase 0 – Planning
- Phase 1 – Covid-19 pre-start site preparation
- Phase 2 – Soft start (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
- Phase 3 – Steady state (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
- Phase 4 – Steady state (where physical distancing can be maintained and/or with PPE use) Phase 5 – Increasing density / productivity
- Phase 5 – Increasing density / productivity
Minister for local government, housing and planning Kevin
Stewart said: “With the gradual easing of lockdown it is vitally important that
we publish updated guidance for the construction sector to help it restart
safely and recover from the damaging impact of covid-19.
“In recent weeks we have worked tirelessly with
representative bodies, employers and trade unions from the construction sector
to prepare guidance that is clear and realistic and I am pleased that
businesses can now begin planning and preparing sites for restart. Future
progress will clearly depend on our ability to continue to control covid-19
transmission rates.
“This guidance also emphasises the importance of ongoing
risk assessment with full input from trade union or workforce representatives
and to keep all risk mitigation measures under regular review so that
workplaces continue to feel, and be, safe.”
