Washington Guidelines for Construction

Title Page

Ideas for Social Distancing (more than 6 feet) on Construction Sites

Stagger trades work and work shifts.
Limit work to tasks that are strictly necessary with the goal of maintaining distance.
Being closer than six feet momentarily is considered safe.
Employers may need to schedule multiple smaller meetings for crews, including safety meetings, trainings and rest/lunch breaks with no more than 10 staff at any one time in one location.
Hold meetings outdoors if possible.
Prohibit large gatherings (currently no more than 10 people) on the job site.
Establish a ‘social distance monitor’ – similar to a safety monitor but a person whose job it is to reinforce the six-foot distance.
Ensure supervisors model ideal behavior.
Use stairs instead of lifts or hoists when possible.
One person in an elevator at a time.

Require that sick workers stay at home or go home if they start to feel/look ill.
Require handwashing just prior to eating food, drink, or using tobacco products.
Promote frequent hand washing by setting up multiple locations.
Ensure frequent re-supply of soap and running water on all jobsites.
Implement regular cleaning at the site, particularly in common areas and touch points including: - Taps and washing facilities - Toilet flush and seats - Door handles and push plates - Hand rails on staircases and corridors - Lift and hoist controls - Machinery and equipment controls - Food preparation and eating surfaces - Telephone equipment - Key boards, photocopiers and other office equipment.
Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of all disinfectants on site.
Make sure written Accident Prevention Programs, Safety and Health Plans and policies are communicated to employees and are easily accessible.
All types of PPE must be selected based upon the hazard to the worker.
Provide workers with up-to-date education and training on coronavirus risk factors and protective behaviors (e.g., cough etiquette and care of PPE).
Develop a procedure if a worker becomes ill while at work or if a worker notifies the employer they have become ill while not at work. (notify others etc.)
Develop a procedure to discover if a worker is ill. Provide telework options for office staff when possible.

Don’t go to work if you are feeling sick.
Wash hands just prior to consumption of food, water, and tobacco.
Don’t shake hands or bump elbows with others.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissues if you cough or sneeze, or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Pay attention to official sources of information such as the CDC.
Don’t share tools (including phones, desks, etc.) or PPE.
Don’t share food with others on the jobsite until further notice.
Appropriate PPE for jobsite hazards should be worn.