The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), representing Irish construction companies, and the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), representing Northern Ireland’s construction companies, have called together for companies to redouble Covid-19 safety measures “to maintain low numbers of Covid in the construction industry as community transition increases.”
The groups said the construction industry straddles both jurisdictions, with contractors and employees crossing the Border in both directions daily.
“Construction across the island has performed well so far and we’re asking our members to encourage their employees and their sub-contractors to keep disciplined when it comes to Covid-19 whether they are on site, off-site or on the way to site,” Director General of CIF Tom Parlon said.
“The latest escalation in Covid-19 cases on both sides of the border with related increased restrictions makes it more important than ever for everyone involved in construction across the island to reinforce compliance,” Mark Spence, incoming Managing Director of CEF said.
“The common principles whether on-site or off-site of hand washing, social distancing and face coverings remain vital to maintaining the relatively low incidence amongst the construction community whilst vitally protecting the wider community in which we work and live.
“Only by doing this can we protect lives, sustain economic activity and retain jobs in our industry,” Mr Spence said.
