Construction and the Coronavirus

BY: BARABARA REYNOLDS, CCM, PMP, NCIDQ, PARSONS

The article intended for April was on the topic of women in construction, however, we all know that the arrival of the Coronavirus Pandemic soon took over as the nation's main focus.

Many states have deemed construction as an essential or not restricted industry. Only four states classified construction as non-essential. Many construction management firms and general contractors are now battling to keep their sites healthy and safe as well as on time and on budget.

Protocols have been put in place to make sure that supplies such as masks, hand sanitizer, thermometers, wipes and paper towels are where they need to be; otherwise, no one can work safely. Each day, each person is met with three questions before they are allowed on the site, “Do you feel sick or have a temperature?”, “Have you been exposed to anyone with Corona virus?” and “Do you have the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designated by the CDC and our job site?”

Plus there are sites that are considered essential due to national security. While millions of others are trying to figure out ways to NOT work, these sites are being applauded because they are figuring out a ways to KEEP working. So how are they doing it?

For the construction craft personnel, three shifts have been implemented to improve social distancing on the job site with staggered reporting times so that congestion is avoided at the change houses. Since the craft personnel are bussed from the main gate of the complex to the job site, there are also staggered protocols for pick up locations, drop off locations and loading numbers. Busses are cleaned every cycle and change houses are cleaned between shifts

A training for cleaning protocol was developed and implemented, to include a Job Hazard Analysis that defines effective cleaning techniques. The frequency of the cleaning schedule for trailers, change houses, buses, bus stops and break rooms has been increased. And the furniture in the break room was removed to encourage safe distancing. Additionally, there has been hand sanitizer, wipes and soap delivered to all areas with routine checks for re-stocking.

New signage has been added in conference rooms, gathering areas and designated smoking areas to emphasize social distancing

Where it was determined that scope could be delayed support / office personnel were immediately released. Daily evaluation of scope or need will adjust bringing the support staff back on as necessary.

For all remaining support / office personnel, telework capability has been expanded and implemented, maximizing the use of conference and / or video calls. An alternating schedule has been implemented for those support office / staff that are required to be on site. On site Social Distancing protocol mandates ten (10) or less persons in a meeting room while remaining six feet apart, and all management / leadership personnel are to be separated within the building. Also, personnel in one building have been moved to other locations to ensure required distance is maintained.

As we navigate through this crisis, we are learning that there are always was to move ahead together and be successful. Stay smart, stay safe and take care.

Barbara J. Reynolds, CCM

CMAA National Capital Chapter, Secretary

PARSONS Corporation