COVID-19 and Abuse of Key Workers

Key workers are playing a central role in the battle to protect the public from COVID-19.

This includes work to maintain critical infrastructure needed to support our NHS, to keep roads open and to keep our lights on and broadband running.

No worker should be abused for doing their job and it is disappointing to hear feedback from across the construction industry showing that key workers are being subject to abuse for doing their jobs.

In response, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, of which CECA Scotland is a member, are providing greater visibility on what constitutes ‘essential work’ to prevent key workers being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects.

To help the public, the Forum has now compiled a list of essential work that is permitted to be carried out, including:

• Removal of elements in danger of collapse, e.g. cladding
• Repair and construction of critical road and utility infrastructure
• Emergency call-out services, e.g. electrical, plumbing, glazing and roofing
• Making inhabited buildings safe and watertight, e.g. after storm damage
• Domestic repairs to ensure occupants’ safety and wellbeing, e.g. the elderly
• Repair and maintenance of essential buildings, e.g. fire and police stations
• Safe operation of faulty heating and water systems
• Essential inspections to prevent health outbreaks, e.g. legionnaires
• Supply of materials for these and other essential COVID-19 projects.

In addition, the Forum is developing a series of free signage for contractors to use to make it clear that any work being carried out is essential.

Read today’s CICV Forum Press Release below: