CPWR Provides Steps Construction Employers, Workers Should Take in Response to Coronavirus

While the spread of COVID-19 is having a major impact on the economy and the lives of people across the world, certain industries such as construction are being particularly hard-hit.

CPWR has been working closely with NABTU and its research, government and other industry partners to respond to questions about the spread of this disease and to provide the latest information on protecting construction workers on the job. To make this information readily accessible, CPWR has developed a COVID-19 resource page on cpwr.com, including a one-page guidance document, and is regularly updating these materials as new information becomes available.

For now, CPWR shares the following key information to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the construction industry:

Construction employers:

• Create at least six feet between workers by staging/staggering crews to prevent droplet spread.
• Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.
• Provide soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing. If that is impossible, provide hand sanitizer.
• If you work in healthcare facilities, train your workers in Infection Control Risk Assessment. For information on CPWR’s ICRA training program, visit: https://www.cpwr.com/training/infection-control-risk-assessment-icra
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces on jobsites and in offices frequently—such as hand rails, door knobs and portable toilets—per CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

Construction workers:

• Do not go to work if you are feeling sick.
• Do not shake hands when greeting others.
• Try to stay six feet away from others on the jobsite, including during morning gatherings, meetings and training sessions.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues if you cough or sneeze or do so into your elbow.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• Clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Remember, individuals over 60 and those with underlying health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are more at risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19.

Additional links/resources from CPWR’s federal government partners:

• From OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
• From NIOSH: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/2019_ncov.html 
• From CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• From CDC for employers about getting their businesses ready: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

For questions or additional actions that should be taken that are not listed click here to email CPWR.