Every worker must understand and participate in COVID-19 safety on the job site. We are all responsible for our own safety and we can all make a positive impact on the safety of others.
Washington State has entered Phase 1 of of 4 towards reopening from the Coronavirus closures. The following chart outlines the general plan for reopening, although the timing of each step remains uncertain (click for an enlarged chart):
The first steps for Phase 1 include a return to work for some construction companies. Low-risk construction work resumes in Phase 1. Requirements have been issued to ensure COVID-19 safety on the job site for all workers. Know what is required in order to be sure that these rules are being followed by you, your co-workers and your employer.
COVID-19 Job Site Requirements
“Any existing construction projects complying with [these] points may resume only those work activities that do not require workers to be closer than six-feet together. If a work activity requires workers to be closer than six-feet, it is not considered low- risk and is not authorized. Adherence to the physical distancing requirement and the health and safety points… will be strictly enforced.”
– Gov. Jay Inslee’s Construction Working Group
The requirements set out to ensure COVID-19 safety on the job site can be read in full here. They cover, in detail, the following:
- COVID-19 Site Supervisor
- COVID-19 Safety Training
- Social Distancing
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Employer Provided
- Sanitation and Cleanliness
- Employee Health/Symptoms
- Job Site Visitors
AGC’s Training Video Covers This and More
AGC has made it’s training video on COVID-19 safety on the job site available for the public. The information is quite complete and conveys the responsibilities of both the employers and workers in adhering to the requirements.
Safety Complaints and Violation Reporting
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is responsible for workplace safety and health, including inspections and enforcement, consultation, technical assistance, training, education and grants.
Workplace safety and health complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233) or via e- mail to adag235@lni.wa.gov. All other violations related to Proclamation 20-25 can be submitted via at: https://bit.ly/covid-compliance.