Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 30 March 2020

Good afternoon

I hope that, despite this extraordinary crisis that’s hit us all, you managed to get at least some rest over the weekend. This is my latest update on CITB’s work to support the construction industry during the COVID-19 crisis.

To see the support packages CITB has already introduced for employers please visit our COVID-19 update page.

Today my key messages are on online Site Safety training and a checklist for Apprentice Safety on Site 

New online Site Safety training

We have introduced a remote learning and examination option for our market-leading HSA (Health and Safety Awareness) course, which will be especially helpful while our Site Safety Plus training centres are not conducting face-to-face training during the COVID-19 crisis. Anyone who booked a training course can contact their training provider for information on rescheduling.

While we continue to despatch achievement certificates for Site Safety Plus courses, there may be delays in certificates reaching delegates, and we understand this will have an impact on card applications. We have agreed with CSCS that applications for a Labourer’s card can now be supported with evidence of the HSA achievement from the CITB card-checker or CITB Construction Training Register. You can find more on card schemes by following the links below.

You can keep up-to-date with health, safety and environmental awareness by accessing online training and educational material from CITB. Safety on site is also covered with tools such as risk assessments and method statements. This can all be found at CITB health & safety support materials and CITB SSP Construction scenarios, a range of interactive and relative 360° construction-based scenarios to be used in the delivery of the Site Safety Plus suite of courses. CITB has also produced seven award-winning training and awareness films to support those taking Site Safety Plus courses. These are available online at CITB SSP YouTube videos. Please visit the CSCS website regarding the actions they are taking around COVID-19 and card applications.

Apprentice safety on site - top ten checklist

CITB has issued a site safety guide for apprentices during COVID-19. It contains measures Employer/Site Management must have in place to ensure apprentices and others are protected and to minimise the risk of spreading the infection.  To download the guide please click here and click on the Apprenticeships section. For further guidance on protecting the workforce, from the Construction Leadership Council. CITB Apprentices can also contact their Apprenticeship Officer.

CITB’s COVID-19 updates page is being refreshed daily and includes information on a range of subjects, including Grants, Funding and the NCC. Please click here to view it.

To read the range of support measures made available to UK businesses and employees by the UK Government please click here.

Kind wishes

Sarah Beale

Chief Executive