The Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Order mandates that essential businesses must establish and implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by OSHA and the WA State DOH:
- OSHA and the OSHA Guidelines for Employers;
- Washington State DOH (referring to the CDC guidance).
With construction work continuing on essential construction projects, some jurisdictions, such as the City of Seattle, are taking additional steps to enforce and oversee the establishment and implementation of updated Health and Safety plans on construction projects. The City of Seattle’s Mayor Jenny Durkan announced yesterday a two-day temporary suspension of Public Works construction beginning on Thursday, April 9th, to conduct health and safety training for workers and update protocols. The announcement may be viewed here. The City of Seattle also sent a letter in this regard and asked all contractors and owners provide project-specific responses to the Washington Building Trades COVID-19 Construction Industry Emergency Requirements. Herein are the links to the letter and attached requirements.
All City contractors are required to operate with a City approved Health and Safety Plan (“HSP”) that complies with the latest requirements of the CDC, OSHA, and Washington State DOH public health guidance. This includes elements such as jobsite health screenings, personal protection equipment, social distancing, worker hygiene, worksite sanitation measures, decontamination measures following an incident and employee training specific to COVID19. Project work may continue upon the expiration of the 2-day suspension. However, if the City identifies an issue with a project HSP, a written notice will be issued and the suspension may be extended for that project until the issue has been resolved.
AC&S remains ready to immediately assist all clients with questions regarding their Health and Safety plans for their important projects.