New COVID-19 guidance for UK ports

The ‘Safeguarding the workforce’ paper, which includes advice on social distancing, cleaning facilities, personal protective equipment (PPE) and shift changeover periods, has been published for the British Ports Association (BPA) by international insurance provider TT Club, an associate member of the BPA.

Sara Walsh, corporate services Manager, at the BPA, said: “During this rather unusual and challenging time, all UK ports are under a lot of pressure. They are having to make difficult decisions about how best to maintain their workforce so critical tasks are performed and legal duties met, whilst also supporting staff who are working at home or are self-isolating.

“We are pleased to be working with TT Club to produce this short paper that addresses some of the key things UK ports and terminals must continue to prioritise when managing their workforce during COVID-19 and its immediate aftermath.”

The TT Club paper is part of the BPA’s Port Futures Programme, which considers emerging and innovative trends in the ports sector.

UK ports have continued to facilitate 95% of the UK’s trade throughout the lockdown period. Those port workers responsible for making it happen have been identified as ‘key workers’ by the government and continue to need support as the lockdown now starts to be gradually lifted.

Port Skills and Safety, the industry body for port health and safety, with which BPA works closely, is also developing a ‘Gazetteer’ document that will signpost the various government and industry guidance documents available.