9 Key COVID 19 Precautionary Measures At Construction Sites

Construction workers fall under vulnerable groups mentioned by the World Health Organisation in regards to COVID-19. This is especially true for those working under dilapidated or harsh conditions.

Most construction sites involve many people moving together at once and sharing the same social amenities, which prevents critical COVID-19 guidelines such as social distancing. With the elevated risk of COVID-19 exposure, it is time for the construction industry to change their practices. It is a time for everyone, from the construction supervisor to the workers and employees, to adopt COVID-19 precautionary measures on-site.

While this might seem challenging for the construction industry, it is possible. Here are a few COVID-19 guidance tips that should be followed at construction sites.

1. Encourage workers to report any health concerns immediately

Should any worker or employee face any difficulties or challenges while working, it is essential that they report to a supervisor or an authority. For instance, if a worker experiences shortness in breath, they should report their health concerns immediately. Any health concerns that surface at a construction site should be taken seriously as they could be COVID-related.

2. Clean and disinfect social amenities

At a construction site, most of the amenities serve everyone present there. The toilets and all the other amenities used by the workers should have a hand sanitizer ready alongside hand wash dispensers or sinks. In addition, frequently touched surfaces should also be disinfected regularly.

3. Limit meetings

At a construction site, people meet for various reasons. You should look to minimize safety meetings and toolbox talks. Even during safety training, it is imperative to observe social distancing and limit the number of attendees. If possible, look to keep the meetings short, and ensure that the attendees follow proper hygiene and sanitizing.

4. Use alcohol-based wipes on shared tools

At a construction site, it is almost impossible to avoid sharing tools. However, using alcohol-based wipes can help reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19. Ensure that the workers wipe all of the tools before and after use. Reiterate the importance of regularly wiping all tools so that your workers understand why there is a need to do so.

5. Encourage safety etiquette

Respiratory etiquette is essential, and it is more important now than ever due to COVID-19. Advise all construction employees and workers to cover their coughs and sneezes when not wearing a mask. They can cough into their handkerchiefs, or if they do not have one, they can cough into their elbows instead.

Personal hygiene is a must to combat COVID-19 in the construction industry. You should also look to encourage your workers to use hand sanitizers whenever possible.

6. Teach workers how to use PPEs properly

Personal protective equipment (PPEs) is vital at a construction site. In the case of COVID-19, workers should be taught to use their PPEs properly, and cover up their faces with a mask.  

7. Advise employees to avoid physical contact

While this is a challenge in the construction industry, you should encourage workers to avoid physical contact when possible on site. Ensure that they know about the one-meter rule when walking and dining. While working, they should look to maintain social distancing as much as possible.

8. Observe all other COVID-19 precautions

Aside from social distancing, workers should also embrace other COVID-19 safety measures necessary to protect themselves against the pandemic. For instance, washing their hands properly and using hand sanitizers regularly.

9. Tell workers to stay at home when they feel unwell

Should any worker feel unwell, you should advise them to stay at home and seek proper medical assistance. Should they experience flu-like symptoms, they will need to notify their superiors and seek proper medical assistance.