April 22, 2020
Power Design is continuing to monitor updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the Recommendations for Businesses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as this pandemic evolves.
While construction maintains operational as an essential business, we are taking note of the different measures our developer and builder partners are putting in place across the country to help workers stay safe on site, stop the spread, and keep construction essential.
Here are some of the best practices we’re seeing in the field:
SOCIAL DISTANCING
- Limit the number of workers on the same floor or same areas of a job site by avoiding taking breaks at the same time, and implementing A and B shifts to allow for social distancing without slowing down production.
Shift work schedules to be four 10-hour work days instead of five days/week. This allows for 72 hours of no contact between work weeks encouraging natural sanitizing.
Reinforce proper sequencing or separate trades by floor.
Restrict the number of workers allowed to travel together on the buckhoist (adjusting per CDC guidelines). Most jobsites are only allowing 2-3 riders at a time, including the hoist operator and 1-2 others for material management. No personnel transport.
Prohibit food trucks from coming on site to avoid larger gatherings. Ask workers to bring their own lunches and eat in respective work areas to reduce travel across wide areas of the site.
Designate “UP” and “DOWN” staircases to avoid congestion and allow for social distancing so that no one has to pass in the opposite direction.
MEETINGS & INSPECTIONS
- Non-essential personnel (PM, PE, etc.) is working remotely.
Meetings are being held virtually or via conference call.
Many jurisdictions have switched to virtual inspections. If virtual inspections are not allowed, remove workers from areas where inspections are taking place, and only have the respective supervisors present.
PPE
- Face coverings, as well as safety glasses and gloves, are becoming mandatory policies.
SANITATION & SAFETY
- Increase the number of sanitation stations throughout the building.
Sanitize high traffic areas at least two times per day.
Increase the number of portalets to reduce travel across wide areas of the jobsite.
Add hand-washing stations
Temperature checks upon arrival at the entrance of the jobsite. On larger projects where congestion and longer lines may be a concern, thermal cameras (Dahua or Flir) can be mounted outside and quickly ID people as they walk in. Power Design can purchase and install.
Immediately remove and report to GC any worker who is sick or exhibiting symptoms.
