The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has updated its statement on the use of face coverings on construction sites in response to Covid-19
The update aims to provide a consistent approach across the industry. It is based on Government guidance in England, other restrictions and advice may apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The use of face coverings in construction during Covid-19 now recommends that face coverings are worn where workers on site are not required to wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and their workplace (which may include welfare and changing facilities, office or meetings rooms) meets all of the following criteria:
- An enclosed space;
- Where social distancing isn’t always possible; and
- Where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.
In line with Government guidance on premises providing hospitality, face coverings must be worn in site canteens except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
However, the use of face coverings and/or PPE is not required whilst carrying out construction activities, and the government guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (Covid-19) – Construction and other outdoor work states that: “Workplaces should not encourage the precautionary use of extra PPE to protect against Covid-19 outside clinical settings or when responding to a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19.”
The announcement comes as an update to that published last month.
Current social distancing requirements
As well as face coverings, social distancing should also be implemented on construction sites and workers should maintain a distance of two metres, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres is not viable.
National guidance on social distancing in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should be adhered to off-site.
Local restrictions, which could be different to national guidance, may also apply.
