Construction workers are known for their incredible role in building and design. These individuals are working just as hard as ever despite the fact that we are in the middle of a global pandemic, leaving many wondering what they can do to stay safe. As essential employees, construction workers are at a higher risk than most groups. Since they will continue to work during these conditions, it is important to ensure that the right steps are being taken to keep construction teams healthy. In this article, we will explore a few ways to keep construction workers safe from the spread of COVID-19.
Check For Symptoms
The best way to keep construction workers safe is for every member of the construction team to remain vigilant. With the spread of COVID-19, it is becoming more important than ever to take cold symptoms seriously. If you notice that you are sniffling or have an elevated temperature, it is necessary for you to notify management and stay home. Your presence could easily infect your entire team, so remain at home to help keep everyone safe for a minimum of two weeks if you begin to show symptoms.
Wash Your Hands and Wear Gloves
It is easy to find this one silly given the sometimes dirty nature of the work, but it can play a significant role in slowing the spread. For the time being, it is important to remember that your hands could very well be covered in viral DNA, even without you showing symptoms. Continuous hand washing and the use of gloves can help to limit the chance that you will unknowingly share or pick up the virus.
Keep Spaces Safe and Sanitized
Construction teams are known for constantly sharing tools, machines, and more. Though this can be effective for getting the job done, it also puts many workers at risk of touching contaminated surfaces. Before you grab that hammer from your colleague, it might be best to wipe it down with sanitizer to ensure that you aren’t accidentally coming into contact with COVID-19.
Use Face Masks
A lot of construction workers are in the clear with this one because they often rely on masks for work. However, it is best to wear masks all the time, not just when the job requires it. If you are working and don’t need any of the heavy duty masks for the job, a simple cloth mask should still be worn while working. For specialized work, avoid sharing the masks at all costs.
Adhere To Social Distancing While Working
Many of us are working hard to adjust to keeping a safe distance from those around us. While it might not always be possible to keep that large gap while you are working, it is better to keep it when you have the option. Social distancing has proven effective at slowing the spread, so avoid standing too close to one another if possible.
Conclusion
The risks in place for construction workers are so severe that the CDC has actually put out an entire set of guidelines specifically for them. If you are looking for ways to protect yourself and your team during these uncertain times, these core rules are an effective place to start. A little extra attention here can help keep your team safe and healthy, so continue to learn and adapt your processes to keep workers safe.
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