ISG creates app for safe school opening

ISG has created a new app that will help schools in Wales to re-open safely following the coronavirus lockdown.

The contractor, which is working on the £21.5m expansion of
Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg in Barry and is also developing three new 210-place
primary schools in the Western Vale of Glamorgan, developed the app to comply
with Welsh government safety guidance during the coronavirus crisis

While the app was designed to capture new processes,
procedures and innovations to enable operatives to work safely on construction
sites, it has now been adapted for use in schools, which are set to reopen
across Wales to some pupils from 29 June.

It offers general information and examples on how to
introduce social distancing, as well as highlighting good practice in a range
of scenarios, such as travelling to school, when in the classroom and other
areas.

Primarily for school staff, the app can be accessed by
scanning a QR code, which will be displayed on classroom walls, and can also be
opened by clicking a link.

Zoe Price, COO for ISG’s UK construction business, said:
“Building on the successful implementation of our digital resource to share
best practice and innovation for safe working within the covid-19 guidelines,
we have adapted this industry-leading approach to the Welsh education sector,
through our strategic partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Council.

“Ahead of schools reopening at the end of the month, this
resource is an easily accessible and clear guide for school leadership teams on
the practical measures that should be taken to ensure accommodation is covid-19
compliant.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member
for education and regeneration, said: “We are currently working in close
partnership with contractors across the county, who are helping to improve
school infrastructure as part of our 21st-century schools programme of work.

“This is a further example of that collaboration, with ISG
kindly adapting a tool that has allowed them to work safely on construction sites
for use in schools.

“The wellbeing of children is our number one priority when
schools go back and this app is just one measure that will be introduced to
ensure they are protected.”