5 safety points for the post-COVID construction site
With the construction sector focusing on safety as restrictions ease, it is increasingly important for construction stakeholders to create health and safety procedures for the job site and construction operations as a whole. While every construction project is unique, similar principles remain transferrable, whether you’re entering a job site, managing a fleet, or driving a truck.
From setting up simple on-site reminders to integrating your workflow with new technology, we have identified five safety points that are consistent with best practices for construction and moving heavy material.
We know that coughing or sneezing can transmit coronavirus droplets up to eight meters. Droplets can also be released by talking, and the virus can remain active for many hours on surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, and tools.
The term “physical distancing” has been ingrained into our vocabulary — and because asymptomatic individuals can still spread the virus, physical distancing remains critical. As an owner, contractor, or material producer, consider implementing a physical distancing protocol that includes:
Having the right PPE is a critical element of workplace safety especially with job hazards associated with construction activities. This becomes even more important when facing and subsequently emerging from a pandemic like COVID-19.
Because the coronavirus may remain active in droplets for hours, physically handling paperwork needs to be minimized. Traditionally, items such as paper tickets and invoices not only go from hand to hand but also site to site, increasing the amount of germs and potential viruses left behind. If paper money can carry more germs than a household toilet, imagine how filthy the documents laying around a job site are? Digital solutions like Tread’s construction fleet management software limits contact by removing these hand-to-hand processes; contractors can issue e-tickets and access delivery-related information in real-time, without time-consuming phone calls or paper processes
While risk should be assessed and potential choke points removed on specific sites, also consider adopting a remote work policy and remote fleet management processes to support physical distancing and contactless operations. However, antiquated processes like paper forms and spreadsheets are difficult to manage while working remotely. For maximum visibility throughout your construction operations, use a digital tool for web or mobile to manage your entire operation.
Digital tools can also help dispatchers by creating safer practices without the need for physical contact. And with truck dispatch software, you can better prepare schedules and deliveries knowing when equipment is arriving on site.
Other areas to consider are:
One of the biggest challenges during this time is the spread of false or misleading information.
While posting and communicating COVID-19 policies to ensure worker safety, it’s important that supervisors openly discuss health and safety protocols.
Another important part of ensuring workers remain safe includes implementing the relevant training required to adapt to the changing industry. This includes ensuring contractors or subs who may not be on the job site when onboarding sessions take place, be given the same training, remotely. For this, businesses need a trusted partner that can make onboarding – whether in-person or remote – a seamless integration. Look for the right tech provider that offers versatility in training. Tread technologies, for example, has a multilingual Customer Success team, and is able to train dispatchers, drivers and other users online, via calls or text messages in a matter of days.
As such, sites should:
A pandemic-ready job site takes thought and precaution. As the construction industry gears up to get back to work, it’s imperative the sector takes appropriate steps to ensure it’s done safely.
Whether you manage a fleet or you’re an owner-operator, Tread makes moving construction materials like asphalt and aggregates easier, faster, and more profitable. Contact us today to book a free demo and learn how Tread helps you work smarter and safer.