Health is serious business, and we consider your health a top priority. As such, whenever and wherever we can, we adhere to OSHA safety protocols concerning Covid-19. We do our best to keep in-person meetings as short as possible, limit the number of workers in enclosed areas, and use sensible social distancing practices. We ensure general cleanliness, face masks, and hand washing as a best practice.
According to OSHA
Our construction workers and contractors do their best to be aware of, understand, and adhere to the following Covid-19 Construction Safety suggestions from OSHA:
- Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and understand how the virus is potentially spread; including the possibility that infected people can spread the virus even if they do not have symptoms.
- All policies and procedures applicable to their duties as they relate to potential exposures to SARS-CoV-2.
- Information on appropriate social distancing and hygiene practices, including:
- Avoiding physical contact with others and maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from customers and other individuals, whenever safe and/or appropriate to do so.
- Appropriate cleaning practices (i.e., washing hands frequently with soap and water, or, if soap and water are not immediately available, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rubbing hands until they are dry; sanitizing all surfaces workers will touch).
- The proper way to cover coughs and sneezes following CDC recommendations (i.e., sneezing or coughing into a tissue or into the upper sleeve).
- Alternatives to shaking hands upon entry, and the importance of workers not touching their own faces (mouth, nose, eyes).
- The benefits of driving to work sites or parking areas individually, when possible, without passengers or carpools.
- The types, proper use, limitations, location, handling, decontamination, removal, and disposal of any PPE being used.
- Know the importance of staying home if they are sick.
- Wear masks over their noses and mouths to voluntarily comply with government mandates concerning such coverings.
- The need to continue using other normal control measures, including PPE, necessary to protect workers from other job hazards associated with construction activities.
- The need to report severe safety and health concerns.
Safe Work Practices
While providing consistent, quality service we strive to maintain a safe working environment.
1) Hazard Assessment
Conduct a hazard assessment to determine potential sources of exposure to Covid-19 and check appropriate CDC procedures for screening of employees and dealing with sick or exposed workers.
2) Control and Prevention
Implement the appropriate hierarchy of controls, including elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
3) Safe Practices
Avoid sharing objects and equipment with customers or other employees, including phones, desks, or other workbenches, tools and equipment, when possible.
4) Managing Sick Workers
Stay home and away from others, or seek appropriate medical attention. Isolation keeps someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others.
5) Education, Training, and Communication
Provide education and training to our workers on symptoms of COVID-19 and risks of worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We encourage open communication on all health concerns.
6) Mental Health & Well-being Considerations
Watch for changes like increased irritation or anger, increased worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, and difficulty concentrating. These may be signs that the worker is struggling with stress or anxiety.
7) Monitoring Ongoing Operations
Taking an appropriate on-going role in dealing with issues and concerns as they arise concerning Covid-19 construction safety.
8) Review our other operating procedures, credentials, and insurance.
Conclusion
There are many factors we consider when it comes to COVID-19 exposure. We are equally concerned with the health and safety of our customers as we are with our workers. Therefore we do our best to seek the right products and solutions to help maintain a safe workplace for all the different tasks we perform on your job sites.
Together we all make a difference so that collectively we can rise above this pandemic and live happy, healthy, and wise.