Construction Law
Why More and More Contractors Are Hiring Medical Professionals For COVID-19 Guidance
Now that the construction industry is beginning to remobilize and contractors across the country are getting back to work, many construction firms are turning to medical professionals for guidance on properly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols and provisions. In this brief article, we’ll discuss how firms across the nation have already benefited from hiring health care providers for pandemic preparedness and what you can do to stay on top of medical guidance. For any further questions regarding jobsite safety during these unprecedented times, consult with a Miami construction attorney with Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
Related: COVID-19: Preventing Workplace Exposure in Construction
Infection Control Practices
Employers are responsible for implementing infection control practices on their jobsite to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. Currently, the CDC recommends conducting a hazard assessment of your jobsite, encouraging employees to wear face coverings when appropriate, and implementing policies and practices for social distancing, just to name a few. It can be difficult to decide which of these practices and protocols are right for your jobsite, which is where medical professions can offer insight and answer questions.
For example, one of the largest privately held construction firms in the United States scheduled a consultation with two infectious disease experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham on how they could develop infection control practices across all of their jobsites. Through regular meetings with their company’s COVID-19 Response Team, the firm was able to implement on-site hand washing stations, breathable face coverings, contact tracing of infected personnel, and more intense cleaning procedures.
Related: Creating a Crisis Management Plan for COVID-19
Protecting What Matters Most
For many construction firms, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to drastic changes in how employee wellness is handled. Prior to the pandemic, many contractors would have expressed an attitude of “toughen up and continue working” with regard to illness. Now, industry leaders are begging their employees to stay home. As both the health care and construction industry are currently facing labor shortages, now is the time to focus on protecting what matters most — the people who serve in these fields.
In the upcoming months, it’s important to ensure that your employees know for certain they have a source of knowledge to turn to regarding the safety plan and response protocols. Site protocol, no matter the size, largely depends on employee buy-in, or making sure employees are given ownership of preventing infection as well as injury.
Related: What Jobsite Changes Should Remain After the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Staying on Top of Medical Guidance
As medical guidance continues to change, your number one priority should be getting all of your employees updated on and complying with safety procedures. This process will most likely look very different depending on the size and scope of your construction firm. Many firms are turning to technology in these troubling times with virtual medical stations for temperature checks or digital tracking to identify places needing more intense cleaning, while others are sticking to staggered start times and a rotation schedule. No matter which protocols you choose to implement, know that you are not alone in the process of adapting to a new normal. For any assistance complying with local or federal regulations pertaining to employee safety on your jobsite, review our COVID-19 resources page or reach out to one of our Miami construction attorneys.
If you would like to speak with a Miami construction attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.