F E AT U R E Maintain COVID-19 Plans as the Pandemic Changes Course by Kevin McMahon, AIHA Construction Committee
AIHA publication remains a valuable blueprint for meeting the COVID challenge Now that vaccines are widely available and COVID-19 cases are substantially lower, construction companies should re-evaluate their COVID-19 plans to be consistent with CDC and OSHA guidelines, which are frequently updated as the re-opening continues and the pandemic changes course. The challenge ahead for leaders in the construction industry will be to navigate these changes with a workforce that will vary in terms of vaccinations, coupled with the possibility that virus variants could evade vaccines and a seasonal uptick in cases which could occur
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this coming fall/winter. Construction companies will need to pay close attention to these changes and maintain their plans. AIHA, the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) in the workplace and community, released a publication, Focus on Construction Health: COVID-19, developed by AIHA construction safety and health specialists, to meet the unique needs of construction employers. Available as a free download, the the
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publication covers how exposures can occur and what construction exposures are likely to be low, medium, and/or high risk. The document provides a practical seven-step strategy for reducing and controlling COVID-19 hazards on the job site. For instance, it guides contractors through the decision-making process for selecting personal protective equipment (PPE), and provides information on face coverings and respirators. It also links to CDC and OSHA guidance and other helpful resources. An important part of COVID-19 plans, as outlined in Step 5 of the seven-step
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