Construction sites urged to integrate test and trace

[edit] Introduction

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called on the Government to set up COVID-19 testing stations on major construction sites around the UK to ensure any outbreaks are tracked and traced as quickly as possible, enabling construction to bounce back quickly and safely.

[edit] Restarting construction

The CIOB’s proposal to integrate major British construction sites into the NHS Test and Trace system, to enable the regular testing of workers without risking further transmission of the virus, comes in the institute’s submission to a consultation on COVID-19 recovery by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee.

CIOB's recommendation on embedded test centres is one of a number of measures proposed by the institute to help get the industry back on its feet as the country recovers from COVID-19.

CIOB commented: "The construction industry is set to play a key role in restarting the economy and facilitating national recovery, and it is therefore crucial that the industry receives the support it needs to return to work and cope with the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Thought must be given to the immediate challenges around resuming construction work, as well as the long-term need for a stable pipeline of future work and the retention of the sector’s skills base."

[edit] The need for testing stations

With over 86% of construction sites in England and Wales open, there is a significant opportunity to locate COVID-19 testing stations on – or in close proximity to – some of the UK’s major construction sites.

Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, Research & Public Affairs at CIOB, said:

“Construction workers are increasingly returning to sites all around the country. We are urging the Government to fully integrate construction sites into the new NHS Test and Trace System so construction workers won’t need to travel to get regular tests, risking further transmission of the virus in the process. This will help the construction sector – which is a vital part of the UK economy – to get back to full strength with confidence. It will also help improve public trust in the sector, which has been battling to keep essential infrastructure projects moving. Under our proposals the public will be sure that construction is doing everything it can to keep the virus under control.”

This article originally appeared under the title, Government urged to integrate major construction sites into test and trace on the CIOB website. It was published on 15 June 2020.

--CIOB

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Comments

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Integrating test and trace measures on construction sites can be crucial for controlling the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here are some reasons why construction sites are encouraged to adopt test and trace protocols:

1. Early Detection of Cases: Implementing test and trace measures allows for the early identification of individuals who may be infected with a contagious disease, such as COVID-19. This enables prompt isolation and treatment, minimizing the risk of further transmission within the construction site.
2. Preventing Outbreaks: Construction sites often involve close contact and interactions among workers, which can facilitate the rapid spread of diseases. By integrating test and trace protocols, it becomes possible to identify and isolate individuals who may have been in close proximity to an infected person, thereby preventing potential outbreaks.
3. Protecting Workers' Health: Test and trace measures prioritize the health and well-being of construction site workers. Regular testing and contact tracing efforts can help ensure that infected individuals receive appropriate medical attention and prevent the virus from spreading to vulnerable populations.
4. Minimizing Disruption: Construction projects can face significant delays and disruptions if outbreaks occur on-site. By implementing test and trace protocols, construction companies can reduce the risk of widespread infections, thereby minimizing the need for extended shutdowns or quarantines that could impact project timelines.
5. Compliance with Health Regulations: Many jurisdictions have implemented health and safety regulations that require businesses, including construction sites, to integrate test and trace measures. Adhering to these regulations not only helps protect workers but also ensures compliance with legal requirements.

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