April 02, 2020 - 751 views
An urgent letter has been sent to Mark Drakeford AM, First Minister, asking for clarity for the construction sector in light of COVID-19.
In writing to the First Minister, the Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, said that she was doing so in an effort to see “positive action in response to the scenario at construction sites where there is a perception that operatives seem to be at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 than the general public”.
Dear First Minister, Mark,
I hope that this letter finds you well during this worrying time.
In an effort to reduce the risk of contracting the virus we are following strict guidance which stipulates that we should only leave our homes for very limited purposes. This includes travelling for work purposes, but only where individuals cannot work from home. The exception currently includes construction workers.I appreciate that you have advised that construction sites must operate safely, and that if employers cannot guarantee that people can maintain a social distance, work should not continue. More so, you have explained that where, for example, there is work on going to repair houses that were flooded or build defenses against future flooding, you do not want to see that stop. I agree.
However, I have been contacted by numerous individuals working in the construction sector, including project directors, contractors, and tradesmen, raising a number of concerns that need addressing. It follows that I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions:
What steps are you taking to ensure that individuals working on construction sites with no plumbed in toilet facilities are not at risk of contracting Covid-19?
Operatives tend to work in teams of threes to six individuals, and share facilities, such as a canteen and dry room, so what steps are you taking to ensure that they can stay a safe distance from each other (6 feet) at all times?
Construction workers rely on health and safety rules to ensure that they are safe at work, so what regulations will you consider implementing which give workers the opportunity to enforce their right to take safety measures on construction sites in light of Covid-19?
What assistance will you make urgently available to individuals in the construction sector who are being subjected to abuse for being on site to work?
How is it essential at this time for construction sites, such as hotel developments, to be open?
What risk assessment was undertaken before deciding that construction can go ahead despite Covid-19?I look forward to receiving your detailed response addressing the concerns raised. Indeed, more than anything, my aim is to see positive action in response to the scenario at construction sites where there is a perception that operatives seem to be at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 than the general public.
Yours sincerely
Janet Finch-Saunders AM/AC
Commenting on the situation, Ms. Finch-Saunders said: “Projects such as temporary hospitals and repairing flood damaged homes are invaluable to people’s lives.
“Individuals in the construction sector are using their skills to support our nation in one of its greatest hours of need, so I want to ensure that the State is doing everything it can to assist them.
“Whilst the First Minister has advised that construction sites must operate safely, I know from project directors, contractors, and tradesmen, that serious concerns need addressing.
“I'm seeking clarity on regulation, support with abuse, safe distancing, essential sites, and what risk assessment was undertaken before deciding that all construction projects could continue.
“I know that the First Minister has admitted yesterday that finding a legal way of addressing some construction site concerns is challenging, and appreciate that he is working on the matter, but I would urge him to provide much needed clarity to the sector urgently”.
