New CPWR COVID-19 Exposure Control Planning Tool Available

CPWR has developed multiple resources for the construction industry to help protect workers from COVID-19, prevent its spread and keep jobsites open. In addition to developing the COVID-19 Standards for U.S. Construction Sites in conjunction with NABTU this spring, the organization has created a Toolbox Talk, the COVID-19 Construction Clearinghouse, and recently launched a free online COVID-19 Exposure Control Planning Tool. This planning tool was developed in response to a need submitted by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, a member of the Masonry r2p Partnership.

This new tool also responds to recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH that employers have a plan to assess the risk and take action. The new planning tool allows a user to create their plan in four steps:

1. Assess the risk for exposure to COVID-19 and the control measures that will be used to prevent exposure, such as using social distancing
2. Establish a protocol for screening workers and visitors and handling those who become sick or may have been exposed on the job
3. Identify the COVID-19-related training that will be provided, including who will be trained, how the training will be provided and who will conduct the training
4. Complete the final elements of the plan, including information about the job and who will be responsible for implementing the plan

The planning tool is aligned with the COVID-19 Construction Clearinghouse to make it easier for users to find ways to implement controls, conduct screening and provide training. The new planning tool is still evolving; questions or ideas to improve it can be emailed to covid19@cpwr.com.