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The COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving situation. With state and local authorities updating restrictions and guidelines regularly, constraints for returning to work vary by location and are ever-changing. As the nation returns to work, it is critical to develop protocols for construction projects that enable work to proceed, will keep our workforce healthy, and that provide employees with enhanced communication and training.<\/p>\n
Following are seven ways to prepare a project site and team as you return to conducting work in this post-COVID world.<\/p>\n
Plan your work and work your plan:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Know Your Risk and Hazard Levels<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Before returning to work, understand and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reporting requirements<\/a> to provide workers with the safest work environment. Additionally, following the frequently updated guidelines provided by federal, state, county and local authorities will be imperative. On a granular level, we suggest naming a safety champion who can ensure local County Public Health Department directives for your jobsites and locations are being followed.<\/p>\n 2. Establish Health Screenings<\/strong><\/p>\n As many organizations build a policy around pre-work health screenings, we recommend following Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) guidance<\/a>. These screenings will vary by worksite and may include:<\/p>\n 3. Jobsite Modifications for COVID-19<\/strong><\/p>\n To promote safety and reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, it is imperative that modifications are made to jobsites. Some suggestions include:<\/p>\n 4. Develop Plans for Sick Workers<\/strong><\/p>\n Have a Confirmed Positive Response Plan in place for workers who experience symptoms or become sick. While we hope to never have an employee or team member become ill, it is best to develop policies and procedures for prompt identification and isolation of sick workers as a precaution. After an ill employee is identified, have a critical incident response and disinfection plan ready for implementation.<\/p>\n 5. Establish Jobsite Disinfection Protocols<\/strong><\/p>\n Follow United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) guidelines<\/a> specific to the types of chemicals and products in use. These products should also have designated areas for safe storage and handling instructions according to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)<\/a> guidelines. Ensure you understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, and follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines<\/a>. Consider which spaces require disinfection (and how frequently it must be done) for key workspaces, break areas, restrooms, community vehicles, tools, and shared equipment.<\/p>\n 6. Modify Worker Behaviors for Safety <\/strong><\/p>\n Keep your workforce as safe and protected as possible with providing proper PPE,\u00a0installing signage to communicate changes in processes, modifying jobsite flows to allow for social distancing, and leveraging the use of technology. Modify \u201ctailgate and toolbox talks\u201d or jobsite \u201cSafety Meetings\u201d to promote safe social distancing while allowing workers to continue these essential conversations. Safety mindsets should extend beyond the jobsite to allow everyone to return home safely every day. Additionally, performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) in advance can aid in determining exposure risk. This will allow the development of a site-specific COVID-19 safety plan<\/a> to supplement your JSA. Remember to review OSHA Guidelines<\/a> for a construction workforce.<\/p>\n 7. Sharing is not<\/em> caring<\/strong><\/p>\n With social distancing in mind, companies can aid in keeping others safe by providing touchless solutions wherever possible. Beyond that, it is best to avoid sharing tools or equipment whenever possible.\u00a0 If possible, supply options for workers to store food and water separately from others.<\/p>\n\n
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Sevan is supporting the revival of construction activities by helping owners execute the seven protocols outlined above. We also provide technology, analytics, and program management to help companies understand what needs to take place and prioritize their work across their locations.<\/p>\n\n
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