Essential Work Infographic Launched

Infographic offers key to understanding essential work

An important new infographic aims to provide greater clarity over essential work and help the public understand exactly what construction projects key workers can carry out.

The infographic was developed by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, of which CECA Scotland is a key member, after key workers reported being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects.

Forum members reported an increasing number of tradespeople being intimidated and verbally abused by the public while carrying out legitimate projects in line with CICV Forum guidelines.

The graphic has therefore been developed to show a checklist of projects to help the public understand the range of work classified as ‘essential’ by key workers.

John McKinney, secretary of Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group, who said: “Essential construction work is not confined to building a major hospital for COVID-19, but we know that people might not be aware of this.

“Greater understanding is needed among the public to understand that the key workers carrying out such work aren’t flouting the rules – they are performing essential tasks and should be allowed to do so without fear of abuse.”

Grahame Barn, CECA Scotland Chief Executive said, “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 we hope this new infographic will help raise public awareness about the range of essential work which our members are safely carrying out.”

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.

The infographic (in PDF format) can also be downloaded here and printed out.  Posters and stickers will be available to order later this week.