CORONAVIRUS - COVID-19 Message from our Management Team


To our valued customers, business partners, and friends

We write to inform you that Geoffrey Robinson Limited have organised to continue to provide the best possible service to our business partners, whilst protecting and supporting the safety of our team, their families and the communities around us as the COVID-19 virus outbreak spreads.

We have put in place business continuity plans and office systems in place, with some staff able to work remotely, accessing systems to ensure the availability and integrity of services. Our staff are able to maintain communications, as we understand most of our business partners are, which gives confidence in our ability to maintain operations in most circumstances. We aim to continue to provide a frictionless service as far as we are able, within the constraints of our business and greater government requirements.

We have taken a number of precautionary measure to minimise risks to our customers, staff and those around us, including limiting meetings and non-essential travel. We are monitoring the evolving advise of both government requirements and the experts in healthcare, and the other sectors where we work.

Our COVID 19 Risk Assessment is detailed below


Hazard / Work Activity Assessed: COVID 19 (Corona Virus) Avoidance and Prevention on Site/s.

Note: Document requirements are applicable as from 04 May 2020.

Geoffrey Robinson Ltd (GRL) first option is where possible work to be completed at home but obviously for the active construction sites this is not practical, hence the specific requirements detailed within the risk assessment.

Note: The document is primarily aimed at GRL employees working xxxxxxxxxx

Note: To all GRL Site Managers/Supervisors – forward a copy of this Risk Assessment to any Sub-contractor working on your site and ensure they adhere to the requirements.

Latest Construction Leadership Council update available at: https://www.gov.uk/corona

A

SIGNIFICANT RISKS

1 a-d

Potential carrier of COVID-19

5 a-g

Deliveries to site

2 a-v

Interaction between people

6 a-c

Removal of materials from site

3 a-m

Surfaces/facilities contaminated with COVID-19

7

Vulnerable workers - people at increased risk of severe illness

4 a-c

Lack of availability of cleaning products, paper towels water etc.

8

Undertaking Emergency First Aid with site personnel

INITIAL RISK RATING

The Risk related to these works have been rated as:

HIGH

Persons at Risk

Employees

ü

Sub-contractor

ü

General Public

ü

Others

B

KEY CONTROL MEASURES

1

POTENTIAL CARRIER OF COVID-19

a

If at any time whilst at home you experience or feel that you are suffering with any of the symptoms of COVID-19 i.e. Coughing, Sore Throat, Temperature, you are not to report to work. You must inform Head Office as soon as possible.

b

Whilst at work, any operative who suspects he/she is suffering with any symptom/s of COVID-19 is to report it to the GRL Site Manager/Supervisor immediately (bearing in mind to social distance at all times). Arrangements for you to leave site will be made. On leaving site you must go straight home and begin the self-isolation process.

c

GRL Site Manager/Supervisor should inform HR immediately if any employee displays symptoms of COVID-19 while at work.

d

No person is to attend work if they or any family member living at home with them has symptoms of COVID-19 or suspect they may have the symptoms i.e. Coughing, Sore Throat, Temperature. Report this to Head Office and Self Isolate.

2

INTERACTION BETWEEN PEOPLE (SOCIAL DISTANCING)

a

Follow Public Health England Guidelines including maintaining a 2m distance from others.

2

INTERACTION BETWEEN PEOPLE (SOCIAL DISTANCING): Continued…

b

Respiratory protective equipment is not required for general site activities where operatives are more than 2m apart, unless specifically required by task specific risk assessment.

c

GRL Site Supervisor is to minimise tasks that require operatives to be within 2m of each other. This is essential for site operatives primarily for their health but in addition to avoid negative reaction from the public if breach of social distancing is observed.

d

When completing works on site where the 2m rule is unable to be followed (e.g. connecting pipework) and operatives are in close proximity, respiratory equipment respiratory protective equipment must be worn for the duration of the activity. Use RPE as follows:

  • Existing face fit tested disposable FFP3 mask
  • Other FFP3 or KF94 FFP2 disposable mask
  • Other FFP2 disposable mask
  • Press to check Force 8 masks

e

You should plan work to minimise contact between workers and avoid skin-to-skin and face-to-face contact. Where face-to-face contact is essential, this should be kept to 15 minutes or less wherever possible.

f

Some of the sectors that GRL are working may require an Emergency response and there will be situations where it is not possible or safe for workers to distance themselves from each other by 2 metres. ONLY in these Emergency Situations will closer contact be allowed but this is dependent on a relevant site-specific risk assessment which will include details of wearing suitable PPE (FFP3 face masks, gloves and coveralls) strict hygiene rules will naturally apply – washing with soap and water etc.

g

For non-face fit tested dusk masks, wearers are to follow the fitting advice received when they were face fit tested for the FFP3 masks. Face fit testing for new masks will be scheduled by GRL appointed Face Fit Tester.

h

Avoid causing congestion in communal areas both on site and in the office, amend and modify the site accordingly.

i

Avoid pinch-points on walkways, consider using a one-way system or having recessed passing points allowing 2m distance to be maintained.

j

One person per welfare table, designate chairs, advise personnel to bring own items where possible (cups, plates, cutlery etc).

k

The position of the tables in the office and canteen may need to be modified to increase distance between seats/individuals. Always ensure the 2m rule even during breaks.

l

Calculate the maximum number of occupants for each site unit and clearly mark this on the entrance and manage occupation in line with social distancing.

m

If unit has more than one entrance consider establishing a one-way system to avoid passing.

n

GRL Site Supervisor to organise working hours, including starting times for subcontractors and breaks for each individual. Breaks may need to be staggered.

o

Encourage operatives to use their own vehicles to have break time in to avoid use of welfare or utilise a rota system for welfare.

p

Encourage operatives to bring pre-prepared food from home (hot flasks, sandwiches etc) to avoid use of microwaves etc on site.

q

Discourage operatives attending local shops.

2

INTERACTION BETWEEN PEOPLE (SOCIAL DISTANCING: Continued…

r

The 2m rule will need to be observed during Daily Briefings and may require briefings to be spilt or staggered. Where possible these should take place outside.

s

Meetings that involve non-site-based staff should be held remotely by use of Microsoft Teams.

t

Visitors to be reduced to the minimum necessary. Only authorised key visitors (e.g. Senior management and contracts managers) should attend site, on arrival they will be asked to wash their hands and follow the guidance provided and sign onto these RAs (It’s YOUR Responsibility).

u

Discourage site personnel from entering office (create an exclusion zone around the entrance) use posters highlighting mobile number and no visitors admitted include the site manager’s phone number and message to site team for them to call to record signing in/out (avoiding handling paper and pens) and also to phone to discuss/ make manager aware of any issues to look at.

v

Whilst travelling to sites – the “one man – one van” rule is to be applied. No persons to share vehicle unless from same household.

3

POTENTIAL OF SURFACES/FACILITIES CONTAMINATED WITH COVID-19

a

Hand washing should be for 20 seconds with warm/hot soapy water or with hand sanitiser.

b

Maintain good hygiene practices:

  • Wash hands regularly.
  • When persons cough or sneeze cover mouth and nose with elbow or a tissue and dispose of any tissues in the bin immediately and wash hands.

c

Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

d

Wash hands with soap and hot/warm water or use sanitiser immediately upon arrival to site and prior to leaving the site. Consider providing hand cleaning facilities at entrances and exits. This should be soap and water wherever possible or hand sanitiser if water is not available.

e

Regularly wash or sanitise hands throughout the working day and especially after using the toilet and prior to eating, smoking, and vaping.

f

Allocate mugs, cutlery, and plates to individuals (Site office personnel) User to ensure these are kept clean.

g

Increase the frequency of cleaning of surfaces in welfare units and site offices + equipment (e.g. kettles, microwaves, laptops, and printers, etc). Specific cleaning rota to be developed for the site.

h

Nitrile disposable gloves to be worn when cleaning and disinfecting the site facilities.

i

Handles on doors, kettles, microwaves and tools (i.e. any regularly contacted surfaces) to be disinfected daily.

j

Avoid passing any potentially contaminated objects (consider pens, files, competence cards, plant check-sheets, delivery tickets etc.)

k

Do not share any PPE and ensure all reusable PPE is kept clean and is left in the dry room overnight.

l

Plant and vehicle door handles, gear stick, controls, steering wheel, indicators and any other points of contact within the vehicle should be wiped down and disinfected before use and prior to leaving site.

m

Restrict the no’s of people using toilet facilities at any one time, place poster on door (one person at a time).

4

LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF CLEANING PRODUCTS, PAPER TOWELS, WATER, ETC.

a

GRL Site Supervisor/s Check and maintain stocks of cleaning products, water and personal hygiene related consumables on a daily basis, immediately inform Site Supervisor of any shortages.

b

GRL Site Supervisor/s Check and maintain stocks of cleaning products, water and personal hygiene related consumables on a daily basis, immediately inform Site Supervisor of any shortages.

c

GRL Site Supervisor/s to monitor daily usage and place orders accordingly.

5

DELIVERIES FROM SITE AND COLLECTIONS FROM SITE.

a

When placing orders, ensure that updated delivery instructions are sent out to suppliers.

b

Keep main gates to the site locked to prevent unauthorised entry to site.

c

Erect clear signage at the gate with contact numbers of the site team to call to receive instructions for delivery or collection.

d

Once understanding has been confirmed, the site team will open the gates and allow delivery ensuring safe distancing is achieved at all times.

e

If signatures are required this should be done while maintaining social distancing and avoiding sharing pens.

f

No delivery personnel should access welfare cabins or offices.

g

Ensure gates are locked after any delivery.

6

VULNERABLE WORKERS – PEOPLE AT INCREASED RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS

a

Vulnerable workers should follow government recommendations and stay home.

b

GRL Site Supervisor should inform HR or Sub Contractor Supervisor immediately if any staff member raises concerns of being in the “at risk” group.

c

GRL Site Supervisor to review Site Inductions forms and/or Personal Risk Assessments of all persons currently on site to ascertain whether this person is in the “at risk” category and inform HR accordingly.

7

EMERGENCIES INCLUDING FIRST AID

If in the event of an emergency a person requires first aid treatment the first aider will meet the following requirements:

  • First aid treatment (cuts, burns, etc):
  • - Wash hands immediately as per government guidelines.
  • - Put on a pair of disposable nitrile gloves and disposable face mask
  • - Remove the items they will require from the first aid box and close the lid.
  • - They are now able to enter the 2-metre safe distance to treat the injured person.
  • - After treatment dispose of all items used (including PPE) including unused first aid equipment, into refuse bags and then into the outside bin/skip. Do not return any items back to the first aid box.
  • - Immediately wash hands as per government guidelines.
  • Resuscitation:
  • - Contact 999.
  • - Wash hands immediately as per government guidelines.
  • - Put on a pair of disposable nitrile gloves and disposable face mask
  • - Remove the items required from the first aid box and close the lid.
  • - Now be able to enter the 2-metre safe distance to treat the injured party.
  • - If they have stopped breathing and unless there is a defibrillator on site compressions to the chest will need to commence.
  • - Utilise an FFP3 valved face shield if available, if not available use the mouth cover sheet contained in the first aid box.
  • - Depending on the response of the emergency services compressions to the chest may have to continue for some time so ensure other first aiders on site have washed their hands and are ready with appropriate PPE to take over if required.
  • - If breathing is restored put them into the recovery position and keep them warm and wait until the emergency services arrive and take over before removing all PPE.
  • - After treatment dispose of all items used (including PPE) including unused first aid equipment, into refuse bags and then into the outside bin/skip. Do not return any items back to the first aid box.
  • - Immediately wash hands and face as per government guidelines.
  • - Consider how someone taken ill would get home – spare supply of masks, gloves, wipes for cleaning vehicle interior etc

8

INFORMATION INSTRUCTION & TRAINING

Refer to specific third-party guidance, for example information publicly available from the: https://www.gov.uk/corona

and additional public health organisations.

Sites to be checked for general security irrespective of camera systems, including preparations for a rapid cessation of works on site.

All plant and equipment are to be removed from site or need if it has to remain adequate security installed (Secure cabins, security) City centre sites or within occupied premises, may be at an increased risk compared to sites in low risk rural areas, including trespass, theft or arson risks.

This Information was provided by:

Name

Role & Company

Date

Signature

Neal Robinson

Managing Director - Geoffrey Robinson Ltd

29th May 2020

GRL Operatives and any Sub-contractors employed by GRL are to sign and date the Register below to confirm having had access to this information and that I am fully aware of the risks involved with these works;

Name

Company

Signature

Date