The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on how we conduct our lives and businesses. In order to maintain the safety of their team, many companies were forced to close or shift to remote work. Happily, with more vaccinations being distributed, a return to life at the job site is becoming a much more tangible reality. As exciting as this is, employers must ensure that the steps are taken to guarantee their team will be secure when returning.
This blog post aims to provide guidance on the important facets that need addressing when planning for the safe re-admittance of employees after extended time away due to coronavirus. From establishing new safety procedures to addressing employee worries, we are confident that these insights will help you have a seamless transition back into on-site operations.
What is the Coronavirus Delay?
The Coronavirus Delay saw the construction industry put on a temporary stoppage due to the onset of COVID-19. This led to project delays and job site closures, resulting in disruption. But as the wider world begins to come back online, so must the construction sector too.
In order to facilitate an unproblematic return to work post-Coronavirus Suspension, construction companies must plan and prepare with particular consideration for the health and safety of their staff, as well as any potential obstacles that could impede progress. Such a plan should include the following steps:
- Reviewing health and safety protocols with employees is an important part of workplace safety. Making sure employees understand their responsibilities and the procedures they should adhere to is vital.
- Sanitizing job sites – Sanitization is a critical part of job site safety. It is important to make sure that all surfaces are disinfected, wiped down, and free from contamination. To ensure the safety of workers and customers alike, it is essential for job sites to be sanitized thoroughly on a regular basis.
- staggering shifts or working in smaller teams
- Adhering to the rules set by the government is essential. Obeying these laws is of utmost importance to ensure a safe and secure living space.
- Communicating with clients about delays or changes in schedule
By taking necessary steps, construction businesses can ensure the safety of their staff and keep job sites running smoothly.
Safety Measures to Take for Construction Teams
These past months of lockdown and social distancing have been difficult, but good news – construction teams are back in action across the country. It’s a relief to be working again, though we must remain mindful of the risks still posed by COVID-19. To ensure safety, consider these measures:
- Make sure to get tested for coronavirus before returning to work. Should you or anyone on your team receive a positive result, it is essential that you remain at home and follow the self-isolation protocol.
- To prevent the spread of illness, social distancing and keeping 6 feet from others is recommended. Also, when possible, you should avoid close contact with those who are feeling unwell.
- Frequently clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, but if these are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
- Clean and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and handrails frequently, especially on job sites.
- Throughout the day, keep an eye on your health by taking your temperature and noticing any alterations in symptoms.
By practicing these safety protocols, you can guarantee that you and your staff are as secure as possible when heading back to the office during the coronavirus outbreak.
Which regulations are currently in force?
When planning a return to the job site following a coronavirus-related delay, there are several points to consider. Firstly, it is imperative to stay abreast of the local situation by consulting health officials who can provide advice on how to proceed. Secondly, any relevant regulations in your field and workplace must be reviewed. Here are some critical regulatory aspects that must be taken into account:
The CDC has released interim guidance on the prevention of transmission for healthcare personnel caring for patients with COVID-19. This includes recommendations for personal protective equipment and environmental cleaning/disinfection protocols.
Be sure to consider any regulatory requirements in the planning stages of your return-to-work program. Thoroughly review all regulations applicable to your workplace and make certain you are abiding by them prior to bringing personnel back into the office.
How to Mitigate Risk
When reopening your job site post-delay due to coronavirus, taking the proper precautions can assist you in reducing risk and keeping your staff secure. Here are some helpful suggestions:
First, conduct a detailed inspection of the job site to identify any potential risks such as unsanitary or disorganized areas or trip hazards. Then take appropriate measures to reduce these hazards so far as possible.
Subsequently, create and relay a distinct scheme for how you will be addressing the hazards present on the job site with your team. Make sure your plan is tailored to the particular requirements of your job site and crew, and communicates it all effectively to those concerned.
Ensure that your team is as well-equipped and prepared as possible before heading back to work. Supply them with the appropriate PPE and other safety items, and also provide them with proper first aid training. Taking these preventative measures will help to guarantee a secure workplace for your team.
Scheduling Considerations for Postponed Projects
When it comes to re-scheduling postponed projects, there are some critical points to bear in mind. To begin with, you must guarantee that your team is ready to go back to work safely, making sure they have all of the protective gear and following the right safety measures. Additionally, it is essential to take into consideration how the postponement has affected the project timeline. You may need to revise it in order to stay on track and make sure everything gets finished on time. Likewise, be aware of potential cost changes brought about by the delay and incorporate them into your updated budget.
It is imperative that you check in with your stakeholders and keep them apprised of the project’s status. This will ensure that everyone stays in the know and any obstacles that arise are addressed promptly. Clear communication is a must for successful time-delayed endeavors.
Tips on Keeping your Team Engaged During the Delay
These past several months have been tough for working from home, but now that we are seeing improvement, it’s essential that our teams remain committed as ever. Here are some ideas to make sure morale remains high and concentration is maintained during this period:
- Schedule periods of review often – Be it daily, weekly or monthly, such periodic check-ins will help make sure everyone is progressing and feeling encouraged.
- Establish clear guidelines – Let your team know what you anticipate from them and the objectives they should aim to reach. This will help keep them motivated and concentrate on their tasks.
- Encourage open dialogue – Maintaining a spirit of frankness and receptivity is key during periods of transformation or stress. Ensure that your team feels safe approaching you with any worries or inquiries they may have.
- Provide assistance – Extend your understanding, both practically and emotionally. Make sure your team knows you’re standing alongside them and that you share the same struggles.
- Make sure to acknowledge and reward the achievements of your team, however minor. This will boost morale and keep their attention on the job.
Conclusion
It’s understandable that coming back to the workplace after an extended break can be intimidating. To make sure everyone is safe, it’s essential to have proper preparation and follow the right procedures. We have provided some useful tips above, to help guide your team while they return to their worksite and try to make up for lost time during the pandemic. These methods should give them motivation to stay on task as well as prioritizing their safety. If everyone is knowledgeable on the protocols for returning safely –– your team will be able to reach their objectives this year with no issues.
FAQs
1. How do you ensure that everyone on your team is up-to-date on safety protocol?
You can ensure a safe workplace for your employees by hosting regular safety discussions, providing training on pandemic-related topics, updating your company intranet with new protocols, and creating a webpage devoted to COVID-19 regulations.
2. What should employees do if they develop symptoms while at work?
Employees who experience any symptoms while on the job should promptly notify their supervisor, then go home.
3. Should employees wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while at work?
At present, the CDC does not suggest PPE for employees in general industry settings. However, certain employers may request that their workers wear gloves or face masks. Employees should find out from their employer what type of PPE, if any, is necessary or suggested.
4. How do you clean and disinfect the job site?
You should routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with your hands often, like handles, countertops, and railing — any product registered by the Environmental Protection Agency is great for this. Make sure to read the instruction manual carefully.
5. What should you do if someone tests positive for COVID-19?
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, those who may have interacted with the individual should be alerted and steps should be taken to completely sanitize the work area.