Best Practice for Lateral Flow Tests on Construction Sites in the UK

As key construction companies plan to re-open closed sites or maintain the safe running of open sites, the UK Government are backing rapid testing of workers without symptoms.

Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock says …“Lateral flow tests have already been hugely successful in finding positive cases quickly – and every positive case found is helping to stop the spread – so I encourage employers and workers to take this offer up. We must all do all we can to stop the spread of COVID, right now.”

Best practice for COVID-19 lateral flow testing on building sites:

1. Make good use of the positive sides of a lateral flow test on building sites – firstly it demonstrates to the staff and contractors that you do care about their health. It also has a strong link with the quality you are aiming to achieve – a professional approach and investment in the welfare will be reflected in the perfection you are creating materially. And of course, the Client – a rapid covid test programme demonstrates you care about the safety, reputation and deadlines of your client – how to have a happy customer.
2. Share ideas by networking with others – we are all on a steep learning curve with this task, and if you can keep in touch with another site manager also running rapid covid test on site, you can avoid mistakes and improve efficiency.
3. Create a simple video of the test process – this can be watched by the first-time contractor easily in the comfort of their own home or whilst having breakfast. It also allows you to add text to clarify the verbal instructions you are about to give. If you have a large number of workers who communicate better in languages other than English, you can adapt this accordingly.  An example induction video is shown below, as used by an NHS trust in England:

Matthew Fell, CBI UK Chief Policy Director, said: “Rapid mass testing is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting on top of the virus. The health and safety of staff is paramount for employers, which is why they will be right behind this initiative.”

Laing O’Rourke has called for industry coordination of rapid coronavirus testing after the health secretary talked up the prospect of widespread checks on those who have to attend workplaces.

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