The new ‘Work Safe. Safe Work’ campaign from TrustMark and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) provides reassurance for homeowners and advises them what COVID-safety measures should be discussed and carried out before, during and after work is done in their homes.
The eight-page booklet also sets out the need for conversations to be had with the tradesperson and what actions consumers should expect them to deliver. It provides simple and clear information on tasks that should be completed and a list of helpful questions to ask.
Simon Ayers, chief executive of TrustMark, said: “As the lockdown restrictions begin to ease across the country, more homeowners will want work carried out in their homes. This is vital in not only the construction industry’s recovery to the coronavirus pandemic, but also the country’s recovery.
“However, we know that many people have reservations about what is expected of them and what they need to provide and do during the work is taking place to ensure it is safe. In providing clear and simple information, the Work Safe. Safe Work campaign will inform homeowners and give them confidence in this new reality we are finding ourselves in.”
The booklet, which the tradesperson can give to the homeowner before the visit to the property, is a three-part guide setting out what types of tasks are the responsibility of the homeowner, such as disinfecting door handles before and after the tradesperson comes into the home.
It also sets out what responsibilities lie with the tradesperson, such as providing their own personal protective equipment (PPE). It covers the time before, during and after the work has been completed. There is also a video animation to help further explain the guidance.
With recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, showing the construction industry had its worst month (April) for output since records began, it is hoped the Work Safe. Safe Work campaign will give the consumer confidence in having work done in around their home, which construction industry leaders believe is pivotal in the country’s economic recovery post the coronavirus pandemic.
TrustMark the BEIS has received support from many industry sectors about the new Work Safe. Safe Work campaign.
James Talman, chief executive officer of the NFRC, said: “We are pleased to support Trustmark’s Work Safe. Safe Work campaign, backed by the Construction Leadership Council. As the lockdown measures are eased, it is important that homeowners and landlords are reassured that professional contractors can carry out repairs, maintenance and improvements safely in this ‘new normal’. This campaign will help to put the public’s mind at ease by providing clear and easy-to-digest guidance.”
He added: “NFRC and CompetentRoofer contractors operate to a safe working checklist in the domestic sector and are pleased to have this reinforced by this umbrella campaign for all trades.
“At present, most roofers are still busy finishing off jobs from before the lockdown, but future workloads are very much on their minds. I urge all homeowners who are considering having work done on their roof, or even extending into their loft for more living space, not to be put off, but to be reassured that NFRC members and CompetentRoofer contractors are working safely according to COVID-19 safe guidelines.”
Meanwhile, Andy Mitchell, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, said: “Government and industry have issued new guidelines for tradespeople that promote safe working, but there is very little in the way of consumer facing guidance. Staying safe is a joint responsibility, and we all have a duty to protect each other. We hope the Work Safe. Safe Work booklet will provide valuable information and reassurance to homeowners when having work carried out in and around their homes.”
More information about the Work Safe. Safe Work campaign and the booklet is available at https://worksafesafework.info.
