'We don't feel safe' - Edinburgh St James Quarter construction workers voice Covid safety measures fears

Construction workers on the site of Edinburgh’s St James Quarter have alleged that Covid-19 safety measures in place are not adequate.

Construction workers at St James Quarters have told the Evening News that they 'are scared' of going to work following Covid outbreak

An Evening News article on Thursday revealed that fifty construction workers were self-isolating after 11 tested positive for the virus.

There are around 1,000 people in total working on the site which is set to open the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements in Spring of 2021.

At the time, the project’s main contractor Laing O’Rourke said that “the project has been inspected by national statutory bodies, Scottish Government and Council representatives who have confirmed the effectiveness of the measures” and that ample Covid measures were in place.

A number of workers say they ‘do not feel safe’ going to work and are ‘scared’ to come into contact with the virus.

They claim that there was not enough hand sanitiser, communal areas such as the break rooms were not wiped down after use and groups gathered with no social distancing, and ‘hundreds’ of workers did not wear face masks.

Following the outbreak last week, testing for the virus has now begun on site, however it has been claimed that measures in place are still ‘a shambles’.

In particular, the area of concern amongst workers has been the canteen which is the only area where workers are able to take their breaks and has shared facilities such as the microwave and fridge which are allegedly not properly sanitised.

One partner of a construction worker said: “I wish Laing O'Rourke would realise the seriousness of this and that many of the people still working are actually scared and don't feel safe. No one seems to be enforcing anything.”

A Laing O’Rourke spokesperson said: “The safety of our workforce is our priority and we are confident in the measures we have implemented across our site since the start of the pandemic. These measures include implementing social distancing across the project through split shift patterns, introducing one-way systems through corridors and staircases, increased space for canteen facilities with regular cleaning, hand sanitiser points; as well as maintaining briefings and communications with the workforce to keep them updated on the latest guidance and information.

“Testing is currently underway across the site and additionally, those staff who are able to work from home continue to do so.

“We appreciate that some people feel apprehensive about coming to work, and we do all we can to make sure that everyone on site plays their part in complying with the guidance. Where concerns are raised, or where a breach is reported we will investigate thoroughly and make appropriate changes.”

A HSE spokesperson said: “HSE is working with the local authority, NHS and Scottish government in relation to any confirmed cases.

“We have also visited the site and have engaged with the contractor to ensure that effective controls are in place.”

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