Planning To Reopen - Phase 3, Construction, Part 2

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

As we continue to execute Phase 3 of Governor Charlie Baker's administration's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts for business it is paramount that we remain steadfast in our resolve to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 when and wherever possible. The following outlines the workplace safety standards pertaining to guidance to prevent exposure & limit the transmission of the COVID-19 and work site risk prevention practices for Construction Businesses.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following guidance were updated based on the new COVID-19 Travel Order (July 24):

1. Construction (below)
2. Indoor and Outdoor Events
3. Laboratories
4. Lodging
5. Manufacturing
6. Office Space
7. Theater & Performance Venues

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

These standards are minimum requirements only and are not exclusive or exhaustive. The public health data for disease prevention upon which these guidelines are based can and does change frequently, it is the responsibility of each Construction Business owner to stay abreast of any updates to these requirements.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

Guidance to Prevent Exposure and Limit Transmission

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners to have the following protocols in place and for staff to adhere to the following at all times:

1. No handshaking
2. Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol
3. Contractor and State Agency Field Offices are locked down to all but authorized personnel
4. Each jobsite should develop cleaning and decontamination procedures that are posted and shared. These Procedures must cover all areas including trailers, gates, equipment, vehicles, etc. and shall be posted at all entry points to the sites, and throughout the project site.
5. A "No Congregation" policy is in effect, individuals must implement social distancing by maintaining a minimum distance of 6-feet from other individuals
6. Avoid face to face meetings – critical situations requiring in-person discussion must follow social distancing 
7. Conduct all meetings via conference calls, if possible.
8. Do not convene meetings of more than 10 people. Recommend use of cell phones, texting, web meeting sites and conference calls for project discussion
9. All individual work crew meetings / tailgate talks should be held outside and follow social distancing
10. Please keep all crews a minimum of 6 feet apart at all times to eliminate the potential of cross contamination
11. At each job briefing / tool box talk, employees are asked if they are experiencing any symptoms, and are sent home if they are
12. Each jobsite should have laminated COVID-19 safety guidelines and handwashing instructions
13. All restroom facilities / porta-potties should be cleaned and handwashing stations must be provided with soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels
14. All surfaces should be regularly cleaned, including surfaces, door handles, laptops, etc.
15. All common areas and meeting areas are to be regularly cleaned and disinfected at least once a day but preferably twice a day
16. Be sure to use your own water bottle, and do not share
17. To avoid external contamination, we recommend everyone bring food from home
18. Please maintain Social Distancing separation during breaks and lunch
19. Cover coughing or sneezing with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands, if no tissue is available then cough into your elbow
20. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands
21. To avoid sharing germs, please clean up after Yourself. DO NOT make others responsible for moving, unpacking and packing up your personal belongings
22. For guidance on business-sponsored travel, refer to the Commonwealth's current out-of-state travel order.
23. Employers are strongly discouraged from requiring or allowing business-related travel to destinations other than those appearing on the Department of Public Health’s list of COVID-19 lower risk States.
24. Employers that permit employer-paid or - reimbursed travel to those States should take measures to ensure employees comply with this order.
25. Employers are also urged to strongly discourage their employees from taking leisure travel to destinations not included on the list of COVID-19 lower-risk States
26. If you or a family member is feeling ill, stay home!

Work Site Risk Prevention Practices

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners to have the following protocols in place and for staff to adhere to the following at all times:

1. At the start of each shift, confirm with all employees that they are healthy
2. We will have a 100% glove policy from today going forward.
3. All construction workers will be required to wear cut-resistant gloves or the equivalent
4. Use of eye protection (safety goggles / face shields) is recommended
5. In work conditions where required social distancing is impossible to achieve affected employees shall be supplied PPE including as appropriate a standard face mask, gloves, and eye protection
6. All employees should drive to work site / parking area in a single occupant vehicle. Contractors / State staff should not ride together in the same vehicle
7. When entering a machine or vehicle which you are not sure you were the last person to enter, make sure that you wipe down the interior and door handles with disinfectant prior to entry
8. In instances where it is possible, workers should maintain separation of 6 feet from each other per CDC guidelines
9. Multi person activities will be limited where feasible (two person lifting activities)
10. Large gathering places on the site such as shacks and break areas will be eliminated and instead small break areas will be used with seating limited to ensure social distancing.
11. Contact the cleaning person for your office trailer or office space and ensure they have proper COVID- 19 sanitation processes.
12. Increase their cleaning visits to daily
13. Clean all high contact surfaces a minimum of twice a day in order to minimize the spread of germs in areas that people touch frequently. This includes but is not limited to desks, laptops and vehicles

Additional Link;

Construction Business MA COVID-19 Checklist

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA and OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Framingham know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Framingham are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal, everyday cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Framingham today for a free consultation - (508) 370-4400.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Framingham want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!