New guidance called Work Safe. Safe Work has been published to help homeowners make their property safe and secure while builders are working in their home.
The Work Safe, Safe Work guidance provides comprehensive advice for those in the middle of self build or renovation projects, or those extending or improving their home, and for those planning a new project.
The campaign was launched on Friday and lists a number of Covid-safety measures to take, as well as certain conversations which can be had with tradespeople to ensure these are carried out.
The safety measures include:
- Homeowners disinfecting door handles at the beginning and end of every day tradespeople are working at your home
- Asking what personal protection equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks if necessary, the tradesperson will be using.
The scheme has been developed by TrustMark together with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Simon Ayers, chief executive of TrustMark said: “As the lockdown restrictions begin to ease across the country more homeowners will want work carried out in their homes. This is vital in not only the construction industry’s recovery to the coronavirus pandemic, but also the country’s recovery.
“However, we know that many people have reservations about what is expected of them and what they need to provide and do during the work is taking place to ensure it is safe.”
Work Safe. Safe Work: Reaction to the Guidance
The Construction Leadership Council has issued its backing to the scheme, and believes it will provide valuable information and reassurance to homeowners when having work carried out in and around their homes.
Andy Mitchell, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, said: “Government and industry have issued new guidelines for tradespeople that promote safe working but there is very little in the way of consumer facing guidance. Staying safe is a joint responsibility, and we all have a duty to protect each other.
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) supports the scheme too. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “We completed a survey in late May that found that 50% of Master Builders’ clients were concerned about having tradespeople working in their home due to the coronavirus. It’s important that we learn to manage the risk of the virus and adapt to these ‘new normal’ circumstances.
“To this end, I strongly support the new guidance published today and the Work Safe. Safe Work campaign that aims to communicate clearly and simply what’s expected of all parties and boost consumer confidence. This builds on previous guidance published by the FMB.”
