Why Safety Matters to BlueScope Construction

Protecting our employees, subcontractors, and partners is the top priority for BlueScope Construction. We take great pride in our industry-leading safety metrics, and we take greater pride in our people and protecting each one of them. As COVID-19 swept the country, BlueScope Construction implemented several new protocols on our construction job sites that continue today to keep people safe.

New Job Site Safety Procedures

• All equipment is disinfected before and after each use. Supplies are stored in or near the equipment for quick and easy access.
• Face coverings are provided for and required of everyone.
• High touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, are cleaned throughout the day.
• Hand sanitizer is always available throughout the job site.
• All employees and subcontractors must maintain social distancing while working at the site.
• Trailers and other areas are professionally cleaned daily.
• Employees take their vests and gloves home each day for regular washing.
• Employees have been provided with cleaners for the temporary residences to keep them safe at home.
• Stretch and flex meetings continue to help employees remain agile and avoid injury on the job site. However, during these meetings, participants practice safe physical distancing and wear face coverings.
• Safety meetings are held outside of the trailer with at least six feet between participants, and face coverings are required. If the team is too large, job site supervisors forgo the large meetings, instead opting for one-on-one or small group briefings.

 

 

“While the threat of COVID-19 to job site safety may not be visible, it is very real,” said Kenny Strope, senior vice president of construction at BlueScope Construction. “Zero Harm cannot just be our goal; it must be our committment. Protecting our people comes first. When we take care of them, they take care of our company and our customers. By taking this virus seriously and putting protocols in-place, we not only keep our people safe, but we keep our projects moving, so we can deliver the high-quality facilities our customers expect on-schedule.”

CDC Guidelines for Job Site Safety

To help further prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on job sites, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are additional tips to keep job sites and employees safe. BlueScope Construction is abiding by each of these recommendations:

1. Do not report to work if sick. If employees develop a fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness, they should not report to work. Individuals with these symptoms should seek medical attention and not return to work until they are symptom-free for at least 72 hours or until they are cleared to return by a medical professional. If an employee lives with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, they should notify their supervisor.
2. Designate a representative. Designate a company representative to watch for signs of sickness on the job site. If someone appears ill, ask them to leave. Do not allow them to enter occupied areas before leaving. This will help prevent the spread of germs among workers. Immediately disinfect the area the employee was working in, including any equipment they were using, once they are gone.
3. Wash hands frequently. All workers should wash hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. If the job site is large, procure additional hand washing stations from your job site sanitation provider. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective at killing germs and should contain at least 60% alcohol.

To help educate employees about hygiene protocols, visitor restrictions, and other new policies and procedures implemented in response to COVID-19, we have posted signage throughout job sites. Please note, we are sharing this information as a guideline for those who manage and/or work on construction job sites. This information is not to be relied upon to prevent the spread or transmission of COVID-19 or prevent a safety violation from being issued by a jurisdictional authority. This is not legal advice. You should continually evaluate the specific hazards at your job sites along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Sources:
Associated General Contractors, Houston Chapter
Associated General Contractors, Oregon Columbia Chapter
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention