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Working Safely Update November 2020
2 November 2020
Business Continuity - Working Safely Update 2nd November 2020
In June 2020 Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd released its first update on Business Continuity, since then we have issued several revisions as we continually review and improve the measures we have put into place. Following the announcement on Saturday 31st October 2020 that the second United Kingdom Lockdown will begin on 5th November 2020 our team has reviewed the latest guidance, along with our previous revision of the Preventative Measures Policies to ensure we are fully up to date with all safeguarding measures required.
We would like to assure our customers that, as key workers Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd will still be in full operation but for the safety of our staff and customers, we have added additional safety guidance to the 5th Revision of the Preventative Measures Policy and are releasing this blog so you are aware of the steps and procedures we have in place for our staff, customers and suppliers.
Summary of Revisions to the Preventative Measures Policy:
- Revision 1 01.06.2020 - Outline of our Toolbox Talk and working safely completed by all AMUK employees and subcontractors before any work commenced.
- Revision 2 07.07.2020 - Further apprised with the additional clause regarding social distancing
- Revision 3 31.07.2020 - Further update for the conditions, regarding self-isolation relating to any potential COVID-19 related ill health and policy on returning to the UK from overseas or foreign holidays
- Revision 4 30.09.2020 - Further update regarding further measures for travel, visitors, NHS COVID-19 App, NHS QR Codes, Medical testing
- Revision 5 02.11.2020 - Updates to Site Visits and PPE & Offices
Social Distancing
All employees, contractors or representatives of Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd can comment on maintaining a safe distance required to carry out the works, this may also be by way of verbally communicating to the residents, business or site representatives concerned. If you find that your space is impinged, then please politely bring this to the attention of the relevant person for the job being undertaken. Our admin team will also be reiterating this, as much as possible, before any jobs are undertaken.
Site Visits and PPE
- Full gloves, masks, hand sanitiser to be used in all instances for all site visits to either residential or business premises.
- Handwash to be applied/used before and after each visit.
- Keep workplaces clean.
- Observe distancing.
- Avoid touching contaminated surfaces.
- Gloves and Masks to be put into a bag for either disposal or washing.
- Uniforms to be washed regularly and full consideration applied to families.
- As is currently in place, assess each job and further assess, on access and egress on site.
- If in any doubt, with concerns once on site, then do not attend and contact the office to advise, this must be done before leaving the site, we will then update our customers, accordingly, do not take any risks.
- Masks must be worn by all Directors, Engineers and Contractors visiting the office or any site offices
- Masks are required to be worn by all visitors to our offices, any meetings will require hand sanitation and full social distancing
- If a site visit or planned works are planned in, if for any reason they are required to be cancelled, due to the latest lockdown for Thursday 5th November 2020, then we would request 24 hours’ notice please. It is possible that charges may apply for non-attendance/aborted calls, advised at less than 24 hours’ notice. being provided.
- We would request that our customers keep us informed on any major site changes or planned maintenance works that may need to be put on hold
- We would also request that any alerts for COVID-19 outbreaks are advised and updated to our offices
- Any vulnerable members of staff will be protected and afforded the safety that we can extend. A duty of care applies, and we would request that all front-line staff report any concerns accordingly and remove themselves from any potential hazardous situations.
Self-Isolation and Coronavirus
- If you develop symptoms, then you should be tested as matter of urgency.
- You must self-isolate if you have coronavirus symptoms and are awaiting a test result.
- You must also self-isolate if you have tested positive for coronavirus.
- You must also self-isolate if you are a member of the same household as someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus.
- You must also self-isolate if you have been in close recent contact with someone who has tested positive and received a notification to self-isolate from NHS test and trace.
- You will now be required to self-isolate for a period of 10 days.
- If you are still unwell, then you continue to Self-Isolate, seek medical help depending on your symptoms.
- During this time, we would request that you abstain from any works for us, staying safe and staying at home.
- Only when safe to do so, return to undertake any work/contract duties, after the required time isolation period.
Holidays
- If you travel outside of the UK, then we would require you to follow the current guidance in observing all rules around travel corridors and isolate for the required period.
- If you are travelling around the UK, then in light of recent lockdowns, we would advise caution, taking preventative measures, social distancing and observing local restrictions, with common sense and a duty of care prevailing.
Offices
- Fully observe social distancing.
- Do not touch surfaces in other areas.
- Ensure that hand washing is applied regularly.
- Apply masks and gloves where required/needed – see below
- Do not undertake refreshment rounds, these must be for individuals only.
- Do not breach the pod area’s for office staff.
- We propose to continue to apply the above, all staff have a duty of care to safeguard our customers/clients/residents and themselves/representatives. We expect them to take all precautions required.
- For any visitors coming into our offices, we would request that our visitors’ book is completed, in order that we maintain additional records for track and trace, this then provides a back up to the QR codes. All details are protected under GDPR, but will have to be shared, if requested, by Public Health England or any other government departments
- Our staff will be continually checked on and sites assessed for risks accordingly.
- It is a requirement that all Directors, Engineers and Contractors wear masks in our offices
- We request and require that all visitors to our offices wear masks and apply hand sanitiser
- All meetings will be held in our board room, social distancing will be required
Track and Trace
- The NHS COVID-19 App has been installed on all Company Phones, this is a requirement by the business that this is applied and actioned accordingly.
- The NHS QR codes have also been set up and apply on all our office entrances, please ensure that you check in accordingly.
Medical Testing
- In order to alleviate the burden on the NHS, we may apply private COVID-19 testing, for tests that are then sent onwards to a laboratory. The details for these tests include some personal information, which under GDPR will only be shared with the respective government bodies concerned.
- Where testing is carried out, then until, the results are known, the individuals will be required to self-isolate. If negative, then the employee can return to work, when safe to do so. If positive, then the requirements will be to isolate and follow the government advice to ensure that all employees, customers, contractors and suppliers etc., are protected. Only returning to any works, as and when safe to do so.
Toolbox Talk - Front Line Staff/Representatives
All current front-line staff/representatives and those returning to work, have attended a Toolbox Talk at 7.00am on Monday 1st June 2020 or on subsequent dates.
Toolbox Talk - Admin Staff
A further Toolbox Talk has been run for the Administration Staff, including those returning to work. Our policies and procedures will be by staff reporting, being pro-active, applying common sense and applying a duty of care and updating our risks and actioning accordingly. This will continue to be reviewed, following government guidelines and applying due diligence.
Our policies and procedures will be by staff reporting, being pro-active, applying common sense and applying a duty of care and updating our risks and actioning accordingly. This will continue to be reviewed, following government guidelines and applying due diligence. We cannot afford to take any risks for our customers/clients/respective residents or businesses and primarily for our own front-line staff/contractors or representatives.
Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd has asked all our employee and contractors to that the above has been reviewed which must be completed before any further works can be undertaken.
PLEASE NOTE:
Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd always recommends checking directly with the NHS Coronavirus website and Government Coronavirus website for the very latest safety advice as they subject to continuous change and whilst we endeavour to keep this page up to date the advice may change quicker than we are able to update.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd!
Today, the team at Advanced Maintenance UK Ltd had the privilege of participating in Denefield School's Careers Day 2024. This event provided a unique opportunity for us to engage with bright young minds and share insights into the dynamic field of plumbing and maintenance. This year's event was particularly special for us as it allowed us to connect with students across all year groups and inspire the next generation of professionals. Our Director, Ricky Gale, led the charge, supported by Operations Manager Tony Williams, Accounts Assistant Donna Endean, and Quality Manager Kellie Pickett. Each team member brought their unique expertise and passion to the event, creating an enriching experience for the students. Throughout the day, the team engaged with students in meaningful discussions about the path to becoming a plumber. One of the most exciting aspects of our discussions was exploring the future technologies that await the next generation of plumbers. We delved into advancements such as smart plumbing systems, sustainable materials, and innovative tools that are set to revolutionise the industry. These technologies not only promise to make plumbing more efficient and environmentally friendly but also open up new avenues for innovation and career growth. A highlight of the day was the hands-on experience with the press gun, led by Tony and Ricky. The students' excitement and the brilliant results they achieved demonstrated the value of practical learning. A big thank you to Denefield School for the opportunity to participate in this inspiring event. The event not only allowed us to inspire young minds but also reinforced our commitment to community engagement and professional development. Engaging with the students and sharing our knowledge and passion was a rewarding experience for our team. Community engagement events like these are crucial for building a brighter future and fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators. We look forward to future collaborations and continuing to support the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we are building a brighter future.
Meet the Team - The First Response Administrators Amanda Morris & Charlotte Busby