Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 28 April 2020

Good afternoon,

I hope you’re having a good week.

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work along with Workers’ Memorial Day and so, to raise awareness of these themes, this update concentrates on CITB’s work to support the construction industry on mental health, safety, and general wellbeing in construction.   

I hope the following resources and links: a blog on wellbeing, information on new online safety courses, and a short online video outlining our work on mental health are helpful during these challenging times for industry.

Reaching out for help can be very difficult. But talking and sharing problems can help enormously.  If anyone is in immediate crisis I urge you to call the Construction Industry Helpline on 0345 605 1956 or the Samaritans free on 116 123. These services do a great job; they are there to help you.

CITB’s COVID-19 wellbeing blog

CITB’s Health and Safety Policy Lead, the Reverend Kevin Fear, has written a blog with useful tips on how to manage wellbeing and support your workforce during COVID-19. As Kevin writes, not everyone is comfortable talking about mental health at work, so the Lighthouse Club, a charity dedicated to the wellbeing of construction workers and their families, has created a helpline app.

New online safety courses

The first ever Site Safety Plus (SSP) remote learning courses took place earlier this month. I am pleased to announce that more have been added including the option to book the full Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) and Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) courses. Please contact your local SSP training centre or use the SSP course locator tool to find a suitable date and time for your learning.

Our own training standards for Approved Training Organisations have been expanded to include 180 remote learning standards allowing centres to continue deliver training – including a range of site safety and mental health training courses. See the full list of remote standards.

Online video on CITB’s mental health work

CITB Wales’ Partnerships Director Mark Bodger has made a brief video outlining the importance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day. Mark speaks about CITB’s work on training mental health first aiders and how people can help each other in these difficult times.

CITB’s COVID-19 Urgent Messages page is refreshed daily and includes updates on the full range of our work.

You can also read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government.

My next update will be on Thursday. In the meantime, I hope that you, your families, and your colleagues stay safe and well.

Kind wishes

Sarah Beale
Chief Executive