Re-constructing Britain: How Will the Construction Industry Make Up For Lost Time?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the British construction industry contributed up to six per cent of the UK’s GDP, seven per cent of jobs, and thirteen per cent of businesses. The output (2019 vs 2018) was up by 3.8 per cent, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

But the pandemic changed everything.

Expectedly, the construction industry’s output has plummeted over the past few months. In March, work was down by 7.1 per cent compared to last year.

As the economy’s gradual return to normalcy continues, Nifty Lift – one of the largest manufacturers of mobile elevating work platforms in the UK; explores several ways to enable firms to operate safely and attain their previous productivity levels.

·      Machinery checks

Operating a construction company is a risky business. Add to that the potential risks arising from re-opening machinery that had been sitting idle; you could be looking at a recipe for disaster. There are many ways that an accident can happen, from faulty machinery to an overlooked error.

It is essential that firms run through all the necessary machinery checks and closely examine any equipment before they continue operations as usual. These checks will vary depending on the equipment you use. For example, if you use access platforms, the NiftyLink tool is a powerful way to gain essential data insights on your machines’ health and activity.

·      Social distancing measures

Worker safety should be the number one priority when reopening a construction site or adapting one that has remained operational throughout the lockdown.

Social distancing can be difficult on a construction site, but implementing practical new safety measures will soon become commonplace, and high productivity levels can resume.

This can include measures such as providing PPE, ensuring social distancing is possible on site, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of work areas.

·      Safety Plan

Perhaps the most critical measure is to develop and implement a safety plan that addresses all potential hazards on the construction site and should be reviewed and updated regularly.

In a recent webinar hosted by RICS, several key steps were discussed, which could be made a part of such a plan:

·       Distance your cabins farther apart than usual.

·       Stagger your employees’ starting times to avoid a rush at a particular time of day.

·       Install extra washing points and make hygiene equipment such as hand sanitisers readily available.

·       Employ a social distance coordinator on your site.

Additionally, communication is critical – construction workers need to be updated with the latest guidance on COVID-19 and how to stay safe. This can be done through regular briefings, toolbox talks, posters and signage across the site.