Did you spot the typo in last week’s edition? I said “selfishness” instead of “selflessness”, but given the context, I am sure you all just had a giggle and knew what I meant!
But now, it’s not funny. None of us can afford to be selfish as the consequences could indeed be fatal. Startling to even have to write those words, and hard though it may be to really believe them, we must all take heed of the very clear guidance to stay at home and keep ourselves, our loved ones and everyone else, safe.
Perhaps during enforced isolation from the outside world, the biggest threat is changes to our mental health. Frustration will be a particular problem; isolation, poor internet connections as the systems become overloaded with home-workers perhaps, being in such close proximity with others for extended periods of time, can easily lead to bad temper, anxiety and depression. Those that already suffer from mental health will be particularly affected. But we must remember that help is out there, and we should help others when and how we can within the restrictions imposed on us right now by the Government. Remember too, that there are organisations specifically for the construction industry that can help, namely the Lighthouse Club www.lighthouseclub.org and Mates in Mind www.matesinmind.org .
As for understanding the rapidly changing situation and how it impacts on construction, both Build UK and CITB are issuing daily updates. We don’t intend to duplicate these messages, but would rather point you in their direction so that you get the information first hand and as fast as possible. Please therefore, bookmark the following pages for daily updates.
Build UK daily Coronavirus update: www.builduk.org/coronavirus/ This has a special focus on Site Operating Procedures, with new subjects being highlighted each day.
CPA Updates. The latest update can be found here. https://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/news-media-events/news/2020/march/cpa-coronavirus-update/ Don’t forget that for SPRA members, the CPA Weekly News is always added to the SPRA Members Area of the website
CITB daily Coronavirus update: https://www.citb.co.uk/urgent-messages
Today it covers the CITB Levy, Apprenticeships, Site Safety Plus, news of a New Employer Support Database, and a Monthly Construction Competition for School Children
Source: SPRA CEO