The CIF Key Guidance Notes for the Construction Sector

‘On-Hold’ – CIF Construction Sector C-19 Pandemic Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

The CIF Safety and Health Policy Committee met on 18th May 2022 to review the advice to CIF membership regarding management of Covid 19. Currently, the CIF Covid 19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is at version 11, and it is appropriate to review its operation in the light of ongoing public health advice and the advancement of vaccination levels and the general down trend in illness / hospitalisations. The Committee agreed that it is now appropriate that Covid 19 be considered a hazard, as per any other hazard in the workplace, and dealt with in the normal health and safety management arrangements. It is advised that the general guidance / protocol for the workplace (found here gov.ie – Transitional Protocol: Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 (www.gov.ie)) should guide management of Covid 19 in a construction context and that employers be cognisant of public health advice as it arises. The operation of the SOP can be paused and should there be a need to produce specific guidance for the construction sector in the future, the CIF Safety and Health Policy Committee will address the matter at the appropriate time.

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Since the COVID-19 virus struck, the CIF has been supporting members to adjust to the rapidly changing environment – including an unprecedented industry shut-down by Government at the end of March. The CIF’s extensive engagement with Government, the HSE and other national and international experts ensures our members have the most up to date and accurate information on key issues such as safety, IR, return to work protocols. The information we provide CIF members helps them prepare for any relaxation on restrictions that the Government may announce in the future. Companies can only return to work when the Government deems it safe to do so

The CIF has collated this information into a ‘Return to Work’ resource pack and is making it available to anyone operating in the construction industry. It’s important to reiterate again, that companies can only return to work when the Government deems it safe to do so.

This 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.

We have two objectives for sharing this information. Firstly, we want to help all construction companies adapt to the changed environment, particularly in the safety arena. The industry needs all companies to operate safely so we can protect our employees, our livelihoods and our communities as we deliver critical housing and infrastructure. Secondly, we hope you will join the CIF’s network, as it makes us stronger and enables us to continue to represent this great industry.

This pandemic has affected us all deeply but by working together and sharing these resources, we hope to help prepare the construction industry when it reopens.

The ‘Return to Work’ resource pack includes a range of key guidance notes, circulated to CIF members on a regular basis.

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

• Health and Safety
• Industrial Relations
• Contractual issues
• Sub-contractor issues
• Virtual Construction and Design
• Planning and development

Regular Updates

The CIF has engaged extensively with Government and third party stakeholders to ensure the industry is best placed to return to work and thrive in the new, changed construction environment. We are constantly updating information related to the affect of the pandemic on our dedicated page here.  We encourage you to join the Federation to ensure your business has access to the CIF’s unparalleled expertise and become part of the most effective network in Irish business. We also post helpful information, podcasts and materials on our blog.

Advertise your Services and Products

The CIF is developing a ‘shop window’ where companies can promote special offers and products which will be shared with CIF members and stakeholders. For more information on this and membership of the CIF, please contact Bernardine Walsh, our membership development executive.