COVID-19 information – Survive, Revive & Thrive

When we first agreed to write an article for Electrical Times, our goal was to share some top tips on how to get the most out of your SuperRod kit. At the time of writing we are in the midst of Covid-19, with all of the challenges that gives us. So, we have spent some time researching sources of information to help us all through these challenging times.
We have not just focussed on the various financial assistance needed, but also have some great links supporting Mental Health, return to work strategies etc. We hope you find the information useful and stay healthy during this pandemic.
Electrical Industry Charity
This charity has been around for many years, but never been so relevant as it is today, they offer some great support across many issues, but cannot do it without our support.
• https://www.electricalcharity.org/index.php/covid-19

Trade Organisations
As you are aware our industry is covered by several trade organisations, covering both employers and employees, and also manufacturers and distributors, below we have listed links to some:
• https://www.napit.org.uk/news/article/COVID-19-Communication-Update%20.aspx

• https://www.eca.co.uk/business-industry-support/employee-relations/er-guides-(1)/coronavirus-guidance-for-eca-members

• https://www.eda.org.uk/news/covid-19-bulletin-1/

• http://www.niceic.com/covid-19-faqs

• http://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus-Employment-Schemes-CLC.pdf

Return to work practices
We have seen lots of images on social media showing the dangers of working on site, and the close proximity in which sometimes we work, below are some key areas we all need to be aware of:
• To remain 2m apart from each other
• Start times on site to be staggered
• Site workers encouraged to avoid public transport
• Reduce the number of attendees during site inductions
• Re-usable PPE to be thoroughly cleaned and wherever possible disposable PPE should be used.
• Site workers encouraged to use the stairs rather than lifts or hoists.
• Frequent hand washing and hand sanitisers to be made available.
• More details can be found on the link below:
https://builduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Site-Operating-Procedures-23-March-2020.pdf

Opportunity to grow and develop during the lockdown period
We are all being inundated with various CPD opportunities from various industry trainers, so we have not listed them here, but a link to the Open University that offers a wide range of development courses.
• https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue

Digital Media
One area to boom during Covid-19 has been the content on Social Media, some serious, some humorous all valuable, we have selected some of the ones we have been visiting:
• https://www.youtube.com/SparkyNinja

• https://electriciansguidetoeverythingpodcast.podbean.com

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElectricianscommunityUK/

• https://e5group.org.uk/podcasts/

Government
Finally, we have included the link to the government website, not always a popular destination for us all, but it is updated on a regular basis, and links into many areas of information.
• https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

So there we have it, not quite a get out of jail free card, but at least an insight to some of the information we have found to be useful. One final thought as the trolls out there have been quick to condemn those still going to work, whilst I would not compare what we do to the work of those directly involved in front line delivery of the healthcare; but without power, light or communications this crisis could have been a lot worse, so let’s not just share our appreciation for the obvious heroes, but also recognise the role we all play in keeping us all safe.
The CV-19 pandemic will slow down, hopefully in the next few months, but its impact will be with us for much longer, at Super Rod we have been focussing on our Survive, Revive & Thrive strategy, exploring ways of how we can come out of this stronger, both personally and professionally. Our last link to share is from LinkedIn Learning, we have discovered they have over 15,000 courses covering areas as basic as how to get the most out of your iPhone / Smart Phone, as how to build a business plan. All relevant, as one thing that is for sure is that however long our businesses have been around, the next few months will be like the early days in a start up, so a real chance to “re-boot” and thrive.
Always one to look on the positive side Malcolm Duncan, the Managing Director of Super Rod, shared his final thoughts on our current situation. “In times of trouble, I have always turned to music for inspiration, whatever the crisis or mood, there is always a tune to pick you up, so with that in mind we have created an open playlist for our customers on Spotify. We have called it “Living for the Weekend” so we can all look forward to getting our weekends back. Take care, keep safe, and send us your tunes, or just add in your own:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5nctxunnrTSrmUJ8tiPwZ6?si=RZ1hdVHgSTCZptdfW2371w