Planning To Reopen - Phase 3, Construction, Part 4

7/31/2020 (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 worker infection protocol, identification of exposure, notification, quarantine and sanitation requirements and returning to work 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).

Do all you can to maintain your good health by: getting adequate sleep; eating a balanced, healthy diet, avoid alcohol; and consume plenty of fluids. Please Note: This document is not intended to replace any formalized procedures currently in place with the General Contractor.

Where these guidance does not meet or exceed the standards put forth by the General Contractor, everyone shall abide by the most stringent procedure available.

A site-specific COVID-19 Officer (who may also be the Health and Safety Officer) shall be designated for every site. The Contractor’s site specific project COVID-19 Officer shall submit a written daily report to the Owner’s Representative. The COVID-19 Officer shall certify that the contractor and all subcontractors are in full compliance with these guidelines.

Any issue of non-compliance with these guidelines shall be a basis for the suspension of work. The contractor will be required to submit a corrective action plan detailing each issue of non-conformance and a plan to rectify the issue(s). The contractor will not be allowed to resume work until the plan is approved by the Owner. Any additional issues of non-conformance may be subject to action against the contractor's prequalification and certification status.

Worker Infection Protocol

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners, and/or general contractors to have the following protocols in place and for staff and workers to adhere to the following at all times:

1. Zero tolerance for sick workers reporting to work.
2. Employees should be instructed that even those with mild symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) or fever should stay off work.
3. Contractors shall take immediate steps to limit infections at the job site in the event that a worker discovered to have tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19 related symptoms.

Although it is understood that contractors are enforcing Work Site Risk Prevention Practices including social distancing rules and use of PPE, consistent with guidelines it is also recognized that there may be occasions where someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has COVID-19 symptoms has been present in a work area. Prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a critical step in protecting workers, vendors, visitors, and others at a worksite.

Identification of Exposure

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners, and/or general contractors to have the following protocols in place and for staff and workers to adhere to the following at all times:

1. The Business owner or Contractor shall direct workers with COVID-19 related symptoms to leave the jobsite immediately and contact their healthcare provider. The Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) or a local board 8 of health will make appropriate notifications to those who had direct prolonged contact with the COVID19 positive workers.
2. The business owner or Contractor shall work with the local board of health to identify any potential job site exposures, including: 
   1. Other workers, vendors, inspectors, or visitors to the work site with close contact to the individual
   2. Work areas such as supply cabinets and designated work stations or rooms
   3. Work tools and equipment
   4. Common areas such as break rooms and tables, vending machines, and sanitary facilities

Notification and Quarantine Requirements

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners, and/or general contractors to have the following protocols in place:

1. As provided by law, the identity of the worker must be kept confidential
2. Upon learning of an infection, the contractor must immediately notify the designated COVID-19 safety officer, the site safety officer, and the owner

Sanitation Requirements

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners, and/or general contractors to have the following protocols in place:

1. After a worker with COVID-19 related symptoms has been asked to leave the job site, the contractor shall take immediate steps to sanitize common areas and direct work places. This includes all on-site bathrooms facilities, any break facilities, and any other common areas on the job site that may have been in close contact with the infected worker.
2. Sanitation will be conducted with personnel, equipment, and material approved for COVID-19 sanitization.
3. Identified areas should remain isolated from workers until sanitation process has been completed and area is deemed safe for use.

Returning to Work

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners, and/or general contractors to have the following protocols in place:

1. All impacted workers should follow CDC and DPH recommended steps concerning return to work. Workers who are considered close contacts to a COVID-19 case by public health authorities should not return for 14 days and are subject quarantine by public health.
2. Workers who leave during the work day due to COVID-19 symptoms and develop COVID-19 as confirmed by laboratory testing or diagnosis by a healthcare provider shall not return to the site until either released from isolation by healthcare provider or public health official.

In All Cases

It is the responsibility of approved construction business owners, and/or general contractors to have the following protocols in place:

1. Keep all employee names confidential as required by law
2. Other employees may be sent home while a workspace is being cleaned but will return to work after cleaning unless advised otherwise by a health care provider
3. Other employees should be asked to contact their health provider if they have any questions
4. Remind other employees to continue to practice proper sanitation and monitor for flu like symptoms

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!