Although contractors in many counties throughout Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada are heading back to work, risk of Coronavirus has not been eliminated. It’s critically important to have a COVID-19 plan in place to ensure the safety of your workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put together some helpful guidance for employers in the construction industry.
OSHA COVID-19 Recommendations for Construction Sites
- Be aware of changing regulations.
As regions satisfy different levels of criteria for re-opening, regulations for what can and can’t be done will change. It’s also possible that a surge in cases could require non-essential jobs to shut down again. Have a point person responsible for keeping an eye on announcements from local officials. - Assess risk of exposure.
- Low risk – job sites that allows workers to remain six feet apart.
- Medium risk – job sites that require workers to be within six feet of each other or members of the public.
- High risk – indoor work sites where someone has or is suspected of having COVID-19.
Plan to delay any high-risk work if at all possible until it is safer to do so.
- Provide necessary training.
- Go over the symptoms of COVID-19 with your employees and explain how it is spread.
- Remind them to stay home if they are feeling ill.
- Provide information on social distancing good hygiene practices.
- Provide necessary PPE and enforce its use.
- Stagger schedules.
If at all possible, stagger employee schedules to limit the number of workers on the job site at once. - Arrange “No Contact” Deliveries
Reach out to suppliers to arrange “no contact” deliveries where drivers remain in their vehicles when possible. - Identify choke points.
Look for locations on the site where employees would have to stand closer than six feet to pass and address the issue if possible.
- Disinfect common touchpoints.
Provide hand sanitizer and disinfect all common touchpoints including door handles, machinery controls, tool handles, lunch tables, and job site toilets.
Taking these steps will limit the risk of COVID-19 spreading on your job site and keep your workers safe and healthy. Have questions about sanitizing machinery or need a rental? All of our dealerships and service centers are open for business, contact us today.
