Plumber won't wear mask.

[minipilling]

Getting bathroom work started tomorrow, a big refit. The plumber just told us he's 'not a big believer' in Covid and none of his team will be wearing a mask because it's not possible to do his job properly wearing one. We will have windows open and distance etc but I'm a bit pissed off. It's not necessarily the mask, that's ultimately his choice, but I didn't expect him to come out and say he was skeptical that it's a real risk. I was worried enough already. We said we'd go ahead but am I being stupid? I was trying to be safe as possible with everything.

I would find another plumber.

Bit late for that now unfortunately. Everyone else is booked for months.

I agree. Get another plumber. People like this week only learn when it starts to affect them directly and better for that to be financially than because they've spread covid to loved ones.

@minipilling

Bit late for that now unfortunately. Everyone else is booked for months.

Is it particularly urgent?

While I can sort of get that he may not want to wear a mask while doing the work - I don’t think you’d be unreasonable to tell him to wear a mask in the other areas of your home - I.e outside of the bathroom.

Also if he has people working for him, wonder how that fits in with taking covid secure measures.

If that is his attitude then I would worry that he is not following other guidelines and may be taking risks. He might expect his "team" to turn up for work if they are unwell.
I would at least delay him if not cancel.

Lightly spray him with bleach every 20-25 minutes.

Great someone else (your plumber) not following rules!

We could probably delay it but it's been months of stress already. Ringing round some people now.

Yeah actually upon reflection it’s not just about the mask. If he “doesn’t believe in it” there could be all sorts of other risks he’s taking as Tyzz says.

@minipilling

Bit late for that now unfortunately. Everyone else is booked for months.

And doesn't he just know it.

There is no way I would have someone with such a thick mindset anywhere near my house.

The reality is that if you are in a different area of the house to them, have all windows open, and clean after them, then you are not a risk from them. However if it were me I would be telling them to get stuffed on principle.

I wouldn't have him in the house.

Can you keep yourselves in a different part of the house so won't be passing him and his team? Leave a seperate kettle mugs tea etc so they can sort themselves? Set up a temporary toilet for yourselves so you don't need to be around the bathroom in the day?
Surely the tradespeople can wear a mask whenever they are interacting with you.

Weirdly his wife works for the NHS.
Have called round some others but no response or availability so far.

We will be in a separate room all day, they are bringing their own refreshments. Windows would be open.

Yep I’m not sure why he’s told you.

I don’t want/expect work people to wear masks when doing work in my house.

He could have breached the subject better.

As long as you keep your 2 metre distance what’s the issue? I would be clarifying with him today if he’s happy to keep his distance, windows open?

Doesn’t sound like you ate too comfortable.

In your shoes I would be cancelling him altogether so long as I had a useable bathroom.
In fact, even if there was a problem I'd rather spend a couple of months flushing the toilet with buckets of water than have him in my house.

@Georgeoftheinternet

Yep I’m not sure why he’s told you.

I don’t want/expect work people to wear masks when doing work in my house.

He could have breached the subject better.

As long as you keep your 2 metre distance what’s the issue? I would be clarifying with him today if he’s happy to keep his distance, windows open?

Doesn’t sound like you ate too comfortable.

2m distancing does not protect you from aerosol transmission plus people with such a cavalier attitude to covid are much more likely to be infected than the general public.

It’s fairly physical l work, I’d ask when moving through the house they wear it but in space they are working in its their choice

How many in his team?

Unless you're planning to spend some time in the bathroom in closet proximity helping them fit their bottom-entry ballcocks I think you're overreacting.

So I think a sensible negotiation is for him to do what he wants whilst in the actual room of work, but whilst in communal areas of your house, whilst talking to you, or when coming in and out they all need to wear on. Your house, your choice during a global pandemic

His lax attitude is likely to be reflected in his work. I'd delay the work until you can get someone with better standards.

Tell him he needs to wear a mask every time he comes out of the bathroom and walks through your house. If he's working in the bathroom with the windows open then I don't see the need for him to wear it - unless he needs to have a conversation with you nearby.
I had a plumber in last week and he initially turned up to assess the job without a mask on. When DH opened the door to him wearing a mask he immediately fetched his from his van and wore it as he walked through the house when he returned to do the work (but assume he took it off when in the bathroom where he was working - but i don't know as I didn't go near but the window was open anyway) Anything else is not acceptable in my book.

I’d get someone else too even if it meant waiting. The main transmission is via airborne so I’d expect masks and visors.