News and blog

Social distancing

24 March 2020
workers 2m apart

Not getting close to other people will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

That is important to keep you and your colleagues safe, and also your loved ones.

No one wants to see projects stopped because we can’t work safely.

You must follow the government advice on social distancing.

  • Keep at least two metres away from other people at all times. Even if this is difficult when entering or leaving a site, you must make sure you do not walk or stand near to colleagues.
  • Please do not crowd onto public transport. Can you drive, walk or cycle instead? If you can not keep away from other people while you get to and from work, please raise this with your line manager immediately.
  • Follow good hygiene practices – wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
  • If you can not work safely, you must stop work and alert your supervisor. If necessary, use our website whistleblowing form. VGC will support you.

VGC worker on track

Anyone who does not follow the guidelines will be removed from site.

There will be safe working systems in your workplace. Please make sure you follow them. If you do not understand anything, please ask.

Remember to work safely at all times to avoid accidents.

Hand washing

It is important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Wash after you’ve touched handles, tools, and – as always – after you’ve used the toilet. Try not to touch your face with your hands.

Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitiser.

 

two people walking 2m apart

two people walking 2m apartKeep physically apart from other people to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

Wherever possible, please communicate by phone or email rather than face-to-face. This is a difficult time for everyone, so don’t stop talking to friends, family and colleagues, but do it in a way that keeps everyone safe. That way we’ll stop the virus spreading too fast for the NHS to cope with.

Please remember that we all need to:

  • Avoid contact with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus – a high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
  • Avoid travelling, especially on public transport, as much as possible.
  • Work from home if you can. That’s not possible for everyone!
  • Keep in touch with friends and family using the phone, internet or social media.
  • If you need to find out about health or other essential services, look online eg NHS 111 online.

Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and particularly after you’ve been to the toilet and before you eat.