Over the last few weeks, we have seen most of the UK go into national lockdowns for the third time. No one is 100% sure when these lockdown restrictions will end this time, and as with all things COVID-19 related, we've got questions.
Can tradespeople work in other people's homes during a lockdown? What precautions should you take if you are working during the lockdown? And what questions can you expect from homeowners before you arrive on-site?
Today we're going to try and demystify some of these questions so that you know what you can do and how to approach the situation safely.
Should tradespeople go to work?
Current guidelines state that if it's not practical for you to work from home, that you can continue to go to work as long as you are following COVID secure guidelines. This means that tradespeople CAN continue to go to work, as long as they are doing the right things to protect themselves, their colleagues and the people in the homes they are visiting.
What do the Government guidelines say?
The guidance provided for in-home workers like plumbers, electricians, surveyors etc. states that, before carrying out work in someone else's home, you should carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment.
This involves thinking about the risks that someone in your position faces, and putting reasonable precautions in place to limit the chances of COVID-19 transmission. Beyond your own personal risk assessment, here's a brief summary of the safety precautions that the Government recommends you should consider when deciding if it's safe to work in someone's home:
- If anyone in the household you're working in has symptoms and/or is isolating, you should not work in their household unless there is a direct risk to the safety of the household, eg. there's a water or gas leak.
- If you're working in a household where vulnerable people or people over 70 live, then you should maintain a clear line of communication prior to your visit to establish what's expected of you and should take extra care with handwashing, hygiene etc.
Other things you should do include:
- Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds using hot soapy water on arrival and before you leave.
- Use a tissue or your sleeve to catch coughs and sneezes (particularly if you aren't wearing a face mask).
- Disinfecting surfaces that you touch while carrying out work.
- Ensuring there's a clear line of communication with the homeowners at all times prior and during your visit.
- Maintaining social distancing guidelines (2 metres) as much as possible.
You can read the full Government guidelines on working in other people's homes during coronavirus here.
What questions are homeowners likely to ask me?
If you're keeping a clear line of communication with the homeowners you're scheduled to visit, then you might be bracing yourself for a million questions!
Unsurprisingly, people are being a lot more cautious than usual and are likely to have some questions for you before you carry out work in their home. You might be asked:
- What precautions do you have in place to protect yourself and others around you while you work?
- What PPE will you be wearing? Are you expecting the homeowners to wear PPE too?
- Are you comfortable washing your hands regularly? Will you provide your own hand sanitiser?
- Are you happy to rearrange at short notice if someone needs to isolate?
Make sure you have answers to these difficult questions lined up because homeowners that don't feel comfortable with the precautions you have in place, then they might refuse you entry into their home.
Read More: 20 Home DIY Jobs to Tackle During the Coronavirus Lockdown
Helping you get back to work safely
Here at Ladders UK Direct, we know how important it is that tradespeople are able to carry on working through this difficult time. That's why we've recently introduced our TRADE ACCOUNTS which provide you with special discounts on all of our ladders and accessories.
By registering for a Ladders UK Direct trade account you'll get:
- 10% off all of our ladders
- 12.5% off when you buy 3+ of the same product
- 15% off then you buy 5+ of the same product
Sign Up for Trade Account >
Hopefully, this has cleared up some of the questions you had about working in other people's homes during the pandemic. If you have any questions about our trade accounts or our ladders, feel free to call us on 01446 789538.
Updated 11 January 2021
