A report published on 8 September as part of the HSE led PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment assesses the UK construction sector’s efforts to build ‘COVID-secure’ workplaces. Evidence collected by the report’s authors at the Thomas Ashton Institute will be used to support efforts to keep the UK building safely as the economy unlocks.
Using survey and interview data from four principal construction contractors, the Keeping the UK Building Safely report highlights the practical challenges the sector has faced as construction workers played a key role in keeping the country running during the pandemic. The report found that:
- Effective dialogue and a well-established safety culture has enabled the construction sector to respond quickly to the challenges of COVID-19.
- The sector’s focus on workforce health and safety has sometimes conflicted with contractual and productivity pressures.
- Over time, COVID-19 responses in some parts of the construction sector have become less effective, with a reduction in worker compliance with control measures.
Access the full report on the on the PROTECT website here.
Keeping the UK Building Safely – PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study (manchester.ac.uk)
