The COVID pandemic has reached into all aspects of our lives, and the construction industry is no exception. Safety should be the first priority on any construction worksite, and that includes taking measures to protect workers from COVID. See guidelines from OSHA on practicing COVID safety in construction, below.
COVID Safety Measures for Construction
While the job description and hazards for those working in carpentry, ironworking, plumbing, electrical, heating/ ventilation/air conditioning/ventilation, masonry and concrete work, utility construction work, and earthmoving work are different than non-construction industries, many of the safety measures companies should take to protect employees from COVID are very similar.
- Create a Job Hazard Analysis as it pertains to Covid. OSHA advises to “Assess the hazards to which your workers may be exposed; evaluate the risk of exposure; and select, implement, and ensure workers use controls to prevent exposure.” It is most important to identify times and locations where workers will be in close proximity or will be touching the same tools, machinery, or controls repeatedly.
- Train employees on the symptoms of COVID, how it is spread, the importance of social distancing and hygiene practices, and any other policies and procedures on reducing transmission of the virus that are applicable to each employee’s duties.
- Implement standard operating procedures and employee training pertaining to social distancing, use of face masks, and for when a worker has contracted COVID.
- Maintain as much space between workers as possible, such as through utilizing staggered work schedules, identifying “choke points” where workers are required to be closer than 6 feet, and creating procedures for limiting the number of people in those areas at a time.
- Keep in-person meetings, like toolbox talks and safety meetings, as short as possible, limiting the number of workers in attendance, and use social distancing practices.
- Keep toilet and handwashing facilities clean and disinfected, including portable job site toilets. Make sure hand sanitizer dispensers are always filled.
- Disinfect items regularly that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, tools, machinery and vehicle controls, and sink handles and toilet seats.
- Have employees use higher-level PPE, like respiratory protection, if they are in settings where social distancing protocols cannot be followed.
Safety is always our leading priority on any Tucker Paving job site. We have been in the asphalt and concrete paving industry for over 25 years! Contact us online, or call us at 863- 299-2262 for your next asphalt or concrete paving job!