With diligent preventative measures and a rock-solid COVID-19 response plan, a case of the coronavirus on a job site does not mean the project must close down. Keeping calm, communicating, and using proven tracking strategies can go a long way. But that is easier said than done, and even best efforts may not be enough. In times of crisis, one of the best things a builder can do is stay up to date with the latest information and procedures. Michael Best, a national law firm, gives precautionary steps to keep workers safe and a detailed response plan so builders know what to do before their team gets sick.
One morning, you receive that dreaded phone call from an employee saying “Boss, I just tested positive for COVID-19.” Later that day, one of your subcontractors calls to let you know one of their workers has a roommate who has tested positive for COVID-19. Now what? The reality is that if this hasn’t already happened on your jobsite, chances are you will receive a call eventually. If you are responsible for jobsite management and/or safety, you will have to grapple with the difficult task of determining how to staff your jobsite, whether it is safe to continue working, and whether the project should continue. Your answer will largely depend on what preventative steps were taken already and how quickly and effectively a plan to mitigate the effects of a positive test can be implemented. The world was not prepared for this pandemic, so beating yourself for your past actions or inaction will not solve anything. If you do not currently have a plan in place to respond to an employee testing positive for COVID-19, consider this a call to arms to act now and mitigate the impacts a positive test will have on your remaining employees, jobsite, project completion, and construction company.