New Animations Remind Public to Play their Part and Let Construction Workers do their Jobs Safely

THE Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has launched a colourful new social media campaign reminding the public to let construction workers do their jobs safely as Scotland strives to rebuild the sector.

Released under the theme of #RebuildingTogether, the latest initiative uses two short animations to highlight the need for co-operation and respect for workers operating in difficult circumstances.

The clips, designed to be shared on social media, feature workers called ‘Paul’ and ‘Gill’ who put a strong emphasis on physical distancing and letting workers do their jobs safely.

To help the public feel more confident about commissioning work, the campaign is also accompanied by a downloadable PDF leaflet that sets out clearly what workers and clients are expected to do – and not do – throughout projects.

Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at the Building Engineering Services Association and Chair of the Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group, said: “Contractors and operatives have been extremely responsive to guidance aimed at safe working as we enter into new phases of the return to work.

“However, they must be allowed to carry out their tasks effectively and the public can play a hugely important role by supporting and respecting them and letting them do their jobs as they take on this mammoth task.

“This new campaign emphasises the Forum’s message that we’re all #RebuildingTogether and that it’s important that everyone takes personal responsibility for their actions in the interest of themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.”

Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson added: “Since the start of the CICV Forum, it’s been extremely heartening to see how people across the industry  have pulled together to get us through.

“We must continue with this level of co-operation and collaboration and remind the public of the part they have to play as we move forward with Scotland’s recovery.”

The latest campaign reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation throughout the Covid-19 crisis, during which it’s become the first port of call for clarity of advice.

Made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, the Forum recently welcomed its 100^th individual member as it continues to advise and inform the industry and public alike.

Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.

In the last month alone, it has issued seven health and safety advice documents, updated its operating guidance and reminded construction workers to observe physical distancing in their social lives too.