Retailers, restaurants and most other service-industry businesses have either closed entirely or implemented unprecedented protocols for customer service in response to COVID-19. In the time of COVID-19, it comes as no surprise that the construction industry, unique in the sense that projects large and small require the concerted effort of trades and professional disciplines to meet project demands and deadlines, must now adopt bespoke health safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections at construction sites.
In an information bulletin released Sunday, health officials issued a response to questions from the construction sector respecting B.C.’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people. The bulletin sets out that construction sites can continue to operate, but employers must abide by the 50-person ban and ensure workers are safe.
Going forward, construction sites must adhere to the following protocol:
- No more than 50 people may work in the same space in any circumstance;
- Employees should remain at least two metres away from each other whenever possible;
- No more than 4 people are permitted to use an elevator at any time (and appropriate signage should be posted);
- Face-to-face meetings and gatherings should be reduced;
- Additional hand washing stations must be set up;
- Maintain a list of employees working at the site and update the list daily;
- All common areas and surfaces should be cleaned at day’s end, including washrooms, shared offices, common tables, desks, light switches and door handles; and,
- Anyone with COVID-19-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, sneezing or coughing, must self-isolate for 14 days.
For more information please see the British Columbia Construction Association website at: https://www.bccassn.com/covid-19/default#updates
Stayed tune for further developments in this and other practice areas by following our commercial blog.