Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced April 24 that some construction work on existing projects will restart under new safety guidelines to protect workers, reports The Seattle Times.
The plan came together after discussions among Inslee’s office, the construction industry and labor unions for a resumption of “low-risk” tasks on projects where workers can remain at least 6 feet apart on the job at all times.
In a news conference with representatives from business and labor groups, Inslee said those working on the projects will have to maintain physical distancing and follow other safety and health requirements. Once the governor signs the order, projects that fit the criteria and have a plan in place can start back up.
"We have found a way to safely allow low-risk construction to resume," Inslee said during the press conference. "We have been working toward this for some time."
According to Komo News, private construction was added last month to the state's list of non-essential work in response to the coronavirus, which has now been linked to over 700 deaths and at least 12,753 confirmed cases around Washington. The designation meant a good chunk of construction work was halted as a result.
The governor’s recent announcement is the first of what is expected to be three phases of reopening construction, said Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW).
The first phase of Inslee’s construction plan allows at least some work to resume on many residential and commercial projects, a move that will keep construction going forward, prevent weather-related damage and deter the theft of materials from empty job sites.
Under Inslee's plan, for low-risk construction projects to resume, the work sites would have to:
- Implement a safety plan that allows for physical distancing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and a COVID-19 supervisor.
- Have a comprehensive COVID-19 plan to limit exposure, control and mitigate the risk.
- Post written notice of the work to be performed at the job site.