It seems these days every aspect of our lives has been touched by COVID-19, including the construction industry. The nature of construction involves teams of people working together to build something, and if not approached correctly, can lead to unsafe conditions and exposure to COVID-19. By adhering to correct preventative measures and by following a few safety best practices, we can keep our jobsites active and get everyone home safe at the end of the workday.
How can we work in a collaborative industry and still be safe? One best practice is to follow the COVID-19 CDC guidelines:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear face masks when within 6 feet of others.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If tissues are not available, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or shoulder.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Avoid large groups or gatherings of 10 people or more when possible. Wear face masks when in meetings.
- Maintain 6’ social distancing from others.
- Do not shake hands! Use the elbow bump rule.
- Stay home when sick.
How can we apply these to our jobsites and keep them open and safe? We must practice the CDC guidelines while also following jobsite specific guidelines:
- Comply with all customer and building owner required procedures while onsite.
- Discuss the concerns and preventative measures of COVID-19 at every pre-task planning meeting.
- Monitor for signs of flu-like symptoms and prevent anyone exhibiting these symptoms from entering the jobsite.
- Wash or disinfect hands often, especially prior to eating.
- Clean and disinfect break and meeting areas before each use. Avoid large groups gathering for lunch.
- Wipe down shared tools with disinfectant wipes after each use.
- Restrict visitors to the project site to only those necessary for the project needs.
- Wear face coverings when within 6 feet of others.
We are fortunate to be in what is considered an essential business in many states including Georgia and the Carolinas. To keep us all safe and working, we need to help each other follow and abide by these best practices. This will keep our jobsites running smoothly and will protect our employees and fellow colleagues! Have a question for our experts? Leave your comment below and check out our website for more information.
