INDUSTRYNEWS
Work in homes – if it is safe to do so
GGF reacts to more
detailed Government
guidance on working
in homes.
» THE GLASS AND GLAZING
Federation (GGF) has reacted to the new
Government guidance for tradespeople
working in people’s homes which has now
changed for work being carried out in homes
in England only. The Guidance no longer
stipulates that only essential work can be
undertaken, but instead, the new Guidance
is asking companies to adopt a risk-based
approach.
The new Guidance now allows standard
work to go ahead, provided that; it is safe
to do so, Public Health England (PHE)
guidelines are being followed (social
distancing, hygiene and cleaning routines
etc.), a risk assessment has been undertaken,
and mitigating measures to reduce the risks
have been introduced.
The Guidance now states that all employers
should undertake a risk assessment in
relation to the work they are doing, and how
to minimise these for employees (this also
includes self-employed tradespeople) and those
whose homes they are working in. Companies
are encouraged to publish these online and
share assessment results with householders.
Although the guidance does allow more
work to take place, it does still specify
that work should not be undertaken in a
household where someone has symptoms or
is being asked to shield, and that additional
precautions should be taken when working in
households where there are vulnerable people,
for example the over-70s.
The Guidance also includes, face coverings
when on public transport or working in
confined areas (such as inside homes) and
in close proximity to others. Individual
tradespeople and firms should familiarise
themselves with the social distancing, hygiene
and PPE (personal protection Equipment).
The GGF has now launched a Safe Guide
for Home Improvement Companies. The
new Guide has integrated the most recent
and relevant Government Guidance and
includes direct links to the Government Risk
Assessment Toolkit.
Though several parts of the most recent
Government Guidance issued were queried
by GGF Members, the GGF, on behalf of
its Members, sought and gained clarification
from the Department of Business & Industrial
Strategy (BEIS) before publishing this new
Guide.
This new publication has been produced
in collaboration with a diverse cross-section
of Members, GGF Staff and Government
officials, to ensure this Safe Guide is the
most comprehensive and authoritative in the
industry.
James Lee, Director of External Affairs
commented on the new guide, “The GGF
focus has always been on delivering high
quality information that can be trusted by
the industry and consumers alike. Both
Safe Guides reflect the expected GGF high
standards.”
The new GGF Safe Guide for Home
Improvement Companies during the
COVID-19 Crisis is available to all
companies in the industry, for free
download and viewing from the GGF
website www.ggf.org.uk
The GGF has also launched a Safe Guide
for Homeowners with the new guidance
integrated into the content; available for
download via www.myglazing.com the
GGF’s consumer advice website.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE
VITAL AS INDUSTRY RESTARTS
During the COVID-19 crisis, the GGF
has remained at the forefront of breaking
news and conveying key guidance to the
industry. The Government Guidance
issued on 12th May, included more
detailed guidance that was integrated in
the two new GGF Safe Guides; one for
companies/individuals working in homes
and one for occupants in domestic
properties wanting to make home
improvements. The information in the
GGF Guides, underpinned by the official
Government Guidance, has provided
the clarity and criteria required to allow
companies to decide if work can be
undertaken safely or not.
John Agnew, GGF Managing Director
commented, “I am aware of many
Members who have already made
the necessary adjustments to
their working practices. Following
the recommencement of work as
clarified by Government last week,
it is imperative that the supply chain
re-connects for the benefit of all, from
manufacturing though to domestic
installation and homeowners. Above all
though, is health and safety and I urge
all companies to ensure they follow the
GGF Guides, which are firmly aligned
with the Government Guidance, for
working safely during COVID-19.”
The above applies to England only and is correct at the time of print. GGF recommends that companies in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales should refer to:
Northern Ireland https://www.hseni.gov.uk/news/covid-19-safety-guidance-construction-employers-federation-ni-cefni-taskforce
Scotland https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-construction-sector-guidance/ Wales https://gov.wales/coronavirus
6 » JUN 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM