A major online training programme was initiated by the CIF in partnership with GoContractor to enable construction workers to get back to work from 18 May, the commencement of Phase 1 of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

The induction programme, which remains open, was developed by the CIF and was rolled out in three weeks and enabled construction employees to clearly understand their on-site responsibilities in terms of safe working.

Since the commencement of the course on 21 April, 153,000 workers have been issued with a ‘digital card’ to show that they have successfully completed the course. There is no charge for participation.

“The turnaround to deliver the course with GoContractor was achieved with great speed, and we demonstrated that a very high volume of people can undertake meaningful online training in a competent manner over a short time-frame,” said Dermot Carey, Director CIF Safety & Training. “The validation element was extremely important to us and knowing that the person who was undertaking the course was the same person presenting the digital card on-site, demonstrated that what was being offered was a very robust solution.”

“We are pleased to be involved in this very effective programme with the CIF which has been material in getting the construction sector back to work. Our product takes a traditional in-person process and turns it into something that can be done completely online,” said John Naughton, CEO, GoContractor. “Normally workers starting on a job site are required to register their information and to provide identification and certification to be photocopied and stored, and then complete   safety induction training in a classroom or site trailer. However, the new CIF C19 induction makes the whole process infinitely more convenient for all involved. We hope we are playing a meaningful part in ensuring that building sites are a safe place to return to work.”

Over GoContractor’s digital platform, the construction workers complete a short course in safe working on-site during the coronavirus pandemic. The course, which is delivered by an animated video, covers best-practice areas including social distancing on-site and avoiding personal contact; traveling to and from site; and personal hygiene practices in response to COVID-19. The course content is very much informed by HSE guidelines.

All those who complete their safety training on GoContractor are allowed the opportunity to rate their experience within the platform and so far 97% of workers have responded with a 5-star rating.