CPWR EXTRA: Guidance on Construction and the Coronavirus

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CPWR EXTRA	March 2020
From the Desk of Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director

Steps Construction Employers and Workers Should Take in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)


	CDC infographic on coronavirus symptoms

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 our 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, we have developed a COVID-19 resource page on www.cpwr.com, including a one-page guidance document, and are regularly updating these materials as new information becomes available.

For now, we would like to share key information to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the construction industry.

Construction Employers:

Create at least 6 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 job sites for frequent handwashing. If that is impossible, provide hand sanitizer.
If you work in healthcare facilities, train your workers in Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA). For information on CPWR's ICRA training program, visit: /training/infection-control-risk-assessment-icra
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces on job sites 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 job site, 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 from our federal government partners: