CLC GUIDANCE UPDATE – FROM MONDAY 19TH JULY 2021

CLC Guidance Update – From Monday 19th July 2021

Yesterday, Monday 19th July 2021 the UK Government’s COVID-19 guidance changed in England.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Construction Leadership Councils (CLC) Site Operating Procedures and Branch Operating Procedures have played a vital role in supporting the construction industry to continue working safely throughout the pandemic.

The information below has been taken directly from the latest statement from the CLC on ‘Site Operating Procedures & Lifting of Restrictions.

Branch Operating Guidelines during Covid 19 Version 4.1

The Site Operating Procedures and Branch Operating Procedures have always reflected the latest Government guidance. The lifting of the remaining legal restrictions in England took place yesterday, Monday 19th July. This includes social distancing requirements and the wearing of face coverings. The use of face coverings in Construction has been updated in line with the latest Government guidance which is that face coverings should be worn in crowded and enclosed spaces when people mix with others they do not normally meet.

Due to these changes the CLC guidance will no longer be current. The Site Operating Procedures and the Branch Operating Procedures will remain available as reference documents from 19th July 2021. The link to document can be found by clicking here.

As well as the guidance changing on social distancing requirements, the use of face coverings in Construction have also been updated in line with the latest Government guidance that face coverings should be worn in crowded and enclosed spaces when people mix with others they do not normally meet.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a statement on the use of face coverings on construction sites in response to coronavirus to help provide a consistent approach across the industry. This can be found by clicking here.

In the main CLC statement they have said ‘Whilst it would be inappropriate for the CLC to seek to impose on the industry any requirements over and above those set out by the Government, we recognise that businesses across the supply chain have welcomed the consistency that the CLC guidance has provided. They may choose, or be asked, to maintain elements of social distancing for the time being, in which case businesses should refer to the Site Operating Procedures and Branch Operating Procedures should continue to be followed.’

The full statement from the CLC can be found by clicking here.

The CLC guidance may also help you with carrying out risk assessments as working arrangements are reviewed and revised, and the CLC advise that any changes to social distancing measures be discussed with the workforce. 

The Site Operating Procedures and Branch Operating Procedures have helped the construction industry implement some good practices throughout the pandemic including, more organisation of sites, enhanced welfare facilities, increased ventilation, and improved communication with the workforce which the CLC have strongly recommended keeping in place.

Please Note: The requirement for close contacts of people in England who have tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate will remain in place until 16 August 2021. From that date onwards, close contacts will not have to self-isolate if they have received both doses of the vaccine or are under 18. They will be advised to get a PCR test and if it is positive then they will still need to self-isolate for 10 days.

Bernard Sims Associates

Bernard Sims Associates is currently providing the below recommendations on this change:
Whilst COVID-19 remains widespread across the UK and infection rates are on the rise, this will still need to be managed for some time to come. The lifting of the remaining legal restrictions, including social distancing requirements, from the 19th July 2021 means the CLC guidance V7 will no longer be current and will be replaced by SOP Lifting of Restrictions Statement along with the use of face coverings in Construction during COVID-19 Version 3.

CLC strongly recommend that you continue to incorporate measures such as; increased ventilation and improved communication with the workforce.

As per the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulation 3, it is the responsibility of the Principal Contractor to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks of COVID-19 which they are exposed to whilst they are at work.

On submission of their Construction Phase Plans Principal Contractor’s must include site specific arrangements for dealing with COVID-19.

Scotland’s and Wales’s administrations have taken a different approach to that of England’s as far as mitigation of the risk of transmission is concerned notably as regards to the wearing of masks. CLC’s guidelines apply equally across the UK and organisations are advised to follow them to protect their workforces and others.

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