Virtua continued to ensure connectivity was available throughout the UK during the height of the lockdown. Pressure for the health and safety team and colleagues in the field was now higher than the task in hand; they needed to ensure everything was being done to mitigate spreading the Virus.

Virtua’s highly responsive QHSE team continued to roll out and update all staff on guidance, expectations, and training on working within the changing government guidelines and the expected standards within Virtua.

This effort was recently reflected in an on-site audit to ensure new guidelines have been taken on board, where Virtua was praised for the positive attitude towards implementing new guidelines. The team was also commended for the additional methods and communication in place to avoid incidental breaking of social distancing.

Because of the adaptability and standards set by Virtua internally, the team continue to have the trust and confidence of customers in overcoming difficult, fast changing situations, all while upholding the high standards Virtua is known for.

How has Virtua handled social distancing on-site?

Communication

Communication has always been key when working in the field. To help comply with social distancing requirements the team are in regular communication with each other and identifying their locations to mitigate any potential crossover.

Tool Zones

Not sharing equipment is part of the policies set out in the field. However, to avoid confusion or cross using, each engineer has a self-designated zone to keep all their own tools. This simple solution ensures complete separation between engineers and tools.

Signage

While it is expected for working sites to have their own signage, Virtua have ensured that the on-site expectations which have been set out are visible by providing secondary signage throughout sites that projects are currently taking place. This additional signage helps with site compliance and reaffirming Virtua standards.

DRA App

Virtua have enhanced their Dynamic Risk Assessment App (DRA) by inclusion of the COVID-19 RA, COVID-19 Working in MDU RA, Key workers letters, COVID Q&A document for members of the public and COVID-19 TBT Donning and removing of PPE, this Document are all available at the touch of a button through either a Laptop, Mobile phone or any other device.  Virtua are currently working on adding a Covid Supervisor questionnaire to the App that will be completed on a daily basis by the Lead Engineer, this will automatically be sent to the QHSE department to assess the outcome of his assessment.