Requirements for the Jobsite
The BIA recognizes the fatigue surrounding COVID-19. However, we can’t stress enough how important it is for every construction company to adhere to workplace safety and health requirements.
It’s a great time to review requirements and ensure you’re still in compliance so that you’re prepared for a random Labor and Industries’ inspection.
The COVID-19 Exposure Control, Mitigation, and Recovery Plan must be available on each job site during any construction activities.
Prior to beginning work, all contractors are required to develop (for each job site) a comprehensive COVID-19 Exposure Control, Mitigation, and Recovery Plan.
The plan must include policies regarding the following control measures: PPE utilization; on-site social distancing; hygiene; sanitation; symptom monitoring; incident reporting; site decontamination procedures; COVID-19 safety training; exposure response procedures; and a post-exposure incident project wide recovery plan.
Additionally, a Jobsite Hazard Analysis should be performed for each jobsite and should include a list of controls and proper PPE for all jobsite activities defined by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) as medium and high transmission risk.
Workers should be trained (in their language of comfortability) before construction activity begins.
A site-specific COVID-19 Supervisor should be designated at every job site to monitor the health of employees and enforce COVID-19 job site safety plans (does not apply if single-family residential job site with 6 or fewer workers).
Maintain six-foot separation between all employees and customers in all interactions at all times and provide appropriate PPE.
It is best to invite only those necessary to the jobsite (example: no large gatherings for walk-throughs, home showings, etc.)
Minimize close worker interaction by staggering breaks and staggering shift start times.
Workers are able to perform tasks with less than 6-foot interaction distance require higher level of PPE*.
Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, face shields and face masks as appropriate or required to employees for the activity being performed.
Cloth facial coverings must be worn by every employee not working alone (with no chance of human interaction) on the jobsite unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under Department of Labor & Industries safety and health rules.
Gloves and eye protection at all times is not required (however, eye protection is required for tasks under 6 feet of distancing).
Weekly safety meetings (AKA “tool box talks”) should be performed to remind workers what the coronavirus is, how COVID-19 is spread, and to explain protective measures in place.
Again, all training must be delivered in the language employees are fluent and comfortable with.
This must also be given on the first day of construction activity on any new site.
Verbal attendance should be taken and maintained by trainer.
Hand washing or sanitizing station(s) should be provided on each jobsite to ensure frequent and adequate hand washing.
Housekeeping schedule shall be maintained – should include frequent cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and/or shared tools.
Employees are required to stay home or be sent home if they feel or appear sick.
Temperature and symptom screening at the start of each shift can be done at home (prior to traveling to the jobsite).
Every employer reserves the right to send home employees that exhibit COVID-19 symptoms and/or have been exposed to a known carrier of COVID-19.
For further details about each requirement — including frequently asked questions and templates — click here.
Did you know: Employers can request a free COVID-19 prevention advice consultation from L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)? Their consultants will work with you to get in compliance and will not inspect your jobsite for up to one year. Contact the local L&I office at 360-575-6951 to request your consultation.