Sign of the times: new posters released to protect essential construction workers from abuse

THE Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has announced it has started distributing protective signage to protect key workers carrying out essential projects.

The posters, designed to be displayed on sites or vans, carry the message – Key Worker: Carrying out Essential Work. They are designed to prevent construction workers being harassed or abused by members of the public.

The signs will alert the public to the fact that workers they see in the streets or on sites are not flouting lockdown rules but instead are performing vital roles.

John McKinney, secretary of CICV Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group said, “As a consequence of mixed messaging from government, there has been some confusion among certain members of the public about what is essential working. However, that is no excuse for harassing people who are going about their legitimate business, and we hope these signs, which carry an information helpline number, will help clarify the situation.”

Ian Honeyman, commercial director of the Scottish Building Federation added, “This is a time when we should all be working together and the Forum is keen to reduce any possible tensions between key workers and misinformed members of the public. In a period when the Scottish Government is asking people to remain in their homes, it is important that these homes are watertight, safe and have essential working facilities, such as water, gas and electricity, and that is what the construction sector’s key workers are ensuring.”