Introduction
Covid-19 has been difficult for many businesses, especially construction companies. Collaboration is a requirement for projects to be completed; however, covid-19 has made it very difficult. In this article, we are going to discuss safety tips and policies to protect yourself and employees on the construction site.
What is Covid-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. According the World Health Organization (WHO) “Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.”
Safety Measures for the Workplace
These tips are recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
– Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
– Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus.
– Continue to use other normal control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), necessary to protect workers from other job hazards associated with construction activities.
– Advise workers to avoid physical contact with others and direct employees/contractors/visitors to increase personal space to at least six feet, where possible. Where work trailers are used, all workers should maintain social distancing while inside the trailers.
– Train workers how to properly put on, use/wear, and take off protective clothing and equipment.
– Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
– Promote personal hygiene. If workers do not have immediate access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
– Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label
claims against the coronavirus.
– To the extent tools or equipment must be shared, provide and instruct workers to use alcohol-based wipes to clean tools before and after use.
– When cleaning tools and equipment, workers should consult manufacturer recommendations for proper cleaning techniques and restrictions.
– Keep in-person meetings (including toolbox talks and safety meetings) as short as possible, limit the number of workers in attendance, and use social distancing practices.
– Clean and disinfect portable Jobsite toilets regularly. Hand sanitizer dispensers should be filled regularly. Frequently-touched items (i.e., door pulls and toilet seats) should be disinfected.
– Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.
If you inquire additional safety practices, please visit cdc.gov and osha.gov.
