As more of the country attempts to return to business “as usual,” the Department of Labor has published new guidance for control and prevention of COVID-19 in the construction industry. This guidance includes practices for both horizontal and vertical projects as well as indoor and outdoor worksites.
A few considerations to keep in mind for your project:
- What is your risk? Do you have a low-risk environment where workers are able to remain at least six feet apart and is there little or no contact with the public, visitors, and customers? Or is the work being performed indoors, in close proximity, and with significant contact with others?
- What controls are in place? Can physical barriers isolate workers and minimize contacts? How is air flow? Is the jobsite secure?
- What are your screening procedures? Have you reviewed the CDC’s standard procedures? Are workers trained to recognize signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and how to limit exposure?
- Are appropriate face coverings in use? Will cloth face coverings provide adequate protection or do site conditions compromise their effectiveness?
- Can you reduce contacts? What areas are highly trafficked and how workers maintain distance when traveling through? How can you communicate with fewer and shorter in-person interactions?
Creating a safe environment for workers, customers, and the public is a difficult but important task. By being proactive you can not only protect the health and welfare of your workforce and company, you can aid our community by helping reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The skilled attorneys at Mesch Clark Rothschild are knowledgeable and experienced in Construction and Employment matters. Call our law office in Tucson at (520) 624-8886.
