Since the COVID-19 virus struck, the CIF has been supporting its members in adjusting to the rapidly changing construction environment. The CIF’s extensive engagement with Government, the HSE and other national and international experts ensures its members have the most up to date and accurate information on key issues such as safety, IR, return to work protocols.

The CIF has collated this information into a ‘Back to Work Resource Pack’ and is making it available to anyone operating in the construction industry. Companies can only return to work when the Government deems it safe to do so.

The information provided to members helps them prepare for any relaxation on restrictions that the Government may announce in the future. It’s important to state again, that companies can only return to work when the Government deems it safe to do so.

This ‘Back to Work Resource Pack’ provides guidance on how companies should prepare in advance of any future announcement. Going back to work prematurely, can undermine the Government’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ultimately damage our industry and the wider economy.

CIF has two objectives for sharing this information. Firstly, to help all construction companies adapt to the changed environment, particularly in the safety arena. The industry needs all companies to operate safely and protect employees, livelihoods and communities as it delivers critical housing and infrastructure. Secondly, the CIF is making a call to join its network, as it makes the industry stronger and enables the CIF to continue to represent the industry.

The ‘Back to Work Resource Pack’ includes a range of key guidance notes, circulated to CIF members on a regular basis.

You can access the report by clicking this link and following the download instructions.

There are several key areas covered in the document summary, including:

• Health and Safety
• Industrial Relations
• Contractual Issues
• Subcontractor Issues
• Virtual Construction and Design
• Planning and Development

The Irish Times reports today that a “protocol including detailed plans of how businesses will reopen is being worked on by Government, unions and businesses in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority, the body responsible for workplace safety.”

It reports that strict guidelines will be put in place for employers in areas like social distancing and will outline what steps should be taken to ensure safety or staff and customers.

Also being reviewed is the commute to and from work at key peak times.

An announcement is expected later this week on the phased exit from lockdown.