Temp redeployment into construction no safe pass or manual handling

tvjunki

HR query.

Has anyone found a way to cover this?

Loads of people have lost there jobs in certain sectors.

What if you have work in construction for extra staff but due do courses in Manual Handing and Safe Pass are not going ahead the potential employees would not have the certs.
Can a contractor take someone on that was say in retail to work to help out under supervision? Would the insurance be affected and will main contractors allow this to happen on a temporary basis in current circumstances? The same applies to construction workers with now out of date certs?

Thank you.

Borzoi

tvjunki wrote: »

HR query.

Has anyone found a way to cover this?

Loads of people have lost there jobs in certain sectors.

What if you have work in construction for extra staff but due do courses in Manual Handing and Safe Pass are not going ahead the potential employees would not have the certs.
Can a contractor take someone on that was say in retail to work to help out under supervision? Would the insurance be affected and will main contractors allow this to happen on a temporary basis in current circumstances? The same applies to construction workers with now out of date certs?

Thank you.

Most sites aren't even doing inductions for new workers at the moment, so you're chances with no certs or out of date certs would be slim

Panjandrums

Even with the current circumstances, main contractors won't allow anyone who doesn't have a safe pass on site unless you are a professional, who don't require safe passes.

mickdw

As it stands no hope without safepass.
I cant see why it couldnt be moved to an online courses in current situation.
If we were to get into a complete emergency with all hands on deck, safepass would be ignored.

TheBoyConor

Not a hope in hell. Well, not with any even half reputable contractor anyway.

Might get away with it with cowboy chancers but do you really want to send people to work for that kind of outfit?

L1011

Panjandrums wrote: »

Even with the current circumstances, main contractors won't allow anyone who doesn't have a safe pass on site unless you are a professional, who don't require safe passes.

What's the definition of professional in that regard? Just for some historical interest for myself.

I had a data centre that I needed access to that required a safe pass, and I've a BSc that's counted as an engineering degree in the UK (personally I wouldn't, but anyway!) but just went and renewed it anyway as the path of least resistance. Had had one before from doing IT buildouts in half-completed buildings but it had expired.

My colleagues who also did it for that same DC would mostly be University of Life qualified in IT (which is absolutely fine and often they're better than anyone with a degree tbh) and probably have trouble claiming the title of "Engineer", which is probably why that employer changed all our job titles!

Panjandrums

L1011 wrote: »

What's the definition of professional in that regard? Just for some historical interest for myself.

I had a data centre that I needed access to that required a safe pass, and I've a BSc that's counted as an engineering degree in the UK (personally I wouldn't, but anyway!) but just went and renewed it anyway as the path of least resistance. Had had one before from doing IT buildouts in half-completed buildings but it had expired.

My colleagues who also did it for that same DC would mostly be University of Life qualified in IT (which is absolutely fine and often they're better than anyone with a degree tbh) and probably have trouble claiming the title of "Engineer", which is probably why that employer changed all our job titles!

Professional in this context covers site managers, engineers , architects, safety officers, surveyors etc. These jobs usually usually require a degree and don't physically build anything.

The safe pass is really for craft workers and general construction operatives who may not have been exposed to safety information.

The 2013 act doesn't mention anything about IT workers in data centers. The only category under which IT workers could come under is " General Construction Workers". This term isn't described so it's down the interpretation of the main contractor.

tvjunki

Could there be an extension for those whose safe passes and manual handling running out for a few months? This could stop those working who are still working now.
Might have work for some people but just seen there could be an issues where certs are just out of date or someone who was in construction and would go back if possible.
Work will be manual. Wonder with everything going on would there be some flexibility here?

fryup

even with a safepass they won't let any old joe on site....you have to have experience and be physically up to it...its tough work made even tougher under the current circumstances

tvjunki

fryup wrote: »

even with a safepass they won't let any old joe on site....you have to have experience and be physically up to it...its tough work made even tougher under the current circumstances

What if they were previously in construction left due to recession changed jobs and now out of work? Yes agreed construction work is tough work.

fryup

retail are currently looking for people

https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0321/1124570-tesco-coronavirus-staff-ireland/

Panjandrums

tvjunki wrote: »

What if they were previously in construction left due to recession changed jobs and now out of work? Yes agreed construction work is tough work.

I think your best option is to talk to recruitment agencies and see if they are running an in-house safe pass.

tvjunki

Quick update. Asked the question to a clients safety officer today. He emailed CIF with the question.
CIF is proposing 3-6months extension if your current safe pass or manual handing is out of date. They are making a decision on this shortly but you may need to check with your insurance company to see if you are covered if employee has out of date certs.
If I find out more I will let you know.
Thank you all for your input.