Lunch is back on – Construction sites canteens reopen
After several months of bringing a packed lunch, (or simply going hungry) construction sites are now allowed to reopen their canteens.
Sites have now been given the go-ahead from the government to start serving lunches to their workforce again.
Over the Covid shutdown building sites were generally kept open, but their facilities to provide food and refreshments to staff was almost completely stopped. There were a few exceptions to the rule, but almost all staff canteens have been collecting dust for the last several months.
The Construction Leadership Council has now issued revised its revised construction site guidelines, which have been updated since the last government changes to social distancing rules.
The new 1m + rules have allowed for the relaxing of the staff canteen rules and regulations. It is important to note that the 2 metre rule is still advised where possible, but in instances where this is not feasible it has been updated to one metre plus.
The other updates made to Version 5 of Site Operating Procedures are minimal, with advise to reduce lift capacity, using private transportation for commuting where possible, and some small changes to entry system cleaning regulations.
Paul Reeve from the Trade body ECA has stated that: “The practical implications of the latest SOP updates will come out in the wash. However, version 5 mainly reflects recent changes to government guidance to industry on social distancing, which includes ‘maintain two meters, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres in not viable’.
“Many construction businesses are already using mitigating measures when doing essential work within two metres, and so the changes underline the need for mitigation at closer proximity, based on risk assessment.”