‘We have asked our builders to keep distance’
A TD has called for the closure of building sites to help halt the spread of coronavirus. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced stricter measures two days ago to fight the deadly pandemic but said it did not mean construction sites should have to shut – as authorities can make sure ‘physical distancing’ is possible.
But now TD Bríd Smith of People Before Profit said it was time to close all non-essential building sites.
The Dublin South-Central deputy said: ‘It makes no sense that people are being told to stay indoors and not gather in groups of more than four, yet construction workers are expected to continue going into sites where adequate social distancing cannot be maintained, either on site or when travelling to and from sites.
‘We have been contacted by many building workers with concrete examples showing that the protocols in relation to social distancing are not being adhered to.
‘Almost 150,000 workers work in construction. The danger here is that not only are they susceptible to getting the virus but they are also at risk of spreading it to their family members and others in the community.
‘This is an unacceptable risk, which the Government is prepared to take,’ she said.
Announcing stricter measures on Tuesday to deal with the virus, Mr Varadkar said: ‘The requirement that workers work from home, unless attendance is absolutely essential, is not to be read as meaning that factories or construction sites have to shut.
‘The authorities are available to work with employers and unions on how to make physical distancing effective.’
The Construction Industry Federation welcomed Mr Varadkar’s statement and said sites should stay open but adopt new guidelines.
Spokesman Shane Dempsey said: ‘The CIF welcomes the Taoiseach’s clarification that construction sites continue to operate if it is safe to do so. Construction companies continue to adopt new guidelines and follow the HSE’s advice in delivering essential projects in critical areas such as health, housing, water, data, power, waste water and accommodation.
‘It is absolutely critical that all HSE guidelines are implemented and enforced fully on these construction sites.
‘It’s our understanding that noncompliance with the HSE Public Health Guidelines could be deemed to be a breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requiring provision of a safe place of work. We will work with the Health and Safety Authority to ensure construction can and do implement social distancing and other measures on site.
‘We have also asked our members to remind employees that they must comply with social distance guidelines outside construction sites also; for example, in local shops, entering the site and whilst travelling to and from work.
‘Most importantly, we have advised companies that were it isn’t possible to meet these guidelines, you should engage with your client immediately to establish a way of working that does comply, so activity can continue in a safe and compliant manner.
‘The CIF is also in discussions with the Government to secure a commitment that contracting authorities will not penalise contractors for issues pertaining to the adaption of these essential safety guidelines.
‘Relieving the fear of penalties arising from delays due to changes in the work environment in these exceptional circumstances will give construction companies and employees the time and space to continue working safely.’
‘At risk of spreading it’