Supplemental Guidelines for Construction Sites

Limiting Exposures

Workers should follow the "General On-the-Job Guidance to Prevent Exposure & Limit the Transmission of the Virus" guide. This is found in the "COVID-19 Employee Health, Protection, Guidance and Prevention" guide.

Contractors should tell workers of best practices to limit exposures off construction sites. Employees should maintain social distancing when traveling to other locations.

Before leaving a site for breaks, lunch, or other reasons, employees must either:

• wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or
• use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.

Frequent use of handwashing or alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be encouraged. Handwashing facilities and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be available at work sites.

Worker Infection Protocol

There is a zero-tolerance policy for sick workers reporting to work. Employees with mild respiratory infection symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) or fever should stay off work. Contractors should take immediate steps to limit infections when finding out a worker tested positive or has COVID-19 related symptoms.

It is understood that contractors enforce the Work Site Risk Prevention Practices, such as social distancing and the use of PPEs. However, someone with COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for the virus might still be at a work area.

Prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals are critical in protecting others at work.

Identification of Exposure

Contractors should tell workers with COVID-19 related symptoms to leave the job site immediately. Workers with symptoms should also contact their healthcare provider. The Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) or a local board of health will notify those who have had direct contact with COVID-19 positive workers.

Contractors should work with the local board of health to identify any potential exposures, including:

• other workers, vendors, inspectors, or visitors who had close contact to the individual
• work areas such as supply cabinets and designated work stations or rooms
• work tools and equipment, and
• common areas such as break rooms and tables, vending machines, and sanitary facilities.

Notification and Quarantine Requirements

As provided by law, the identity of the worker must be kept confidential.

When learning of an infection, the contractor must immediately notify:

• the designated COVID-19 safety officer,
• the site safety officer, and
• the owner.

Sanitation Requirements

Contractors should take immediate steps to sanitize common areas and direct workplaces. This includes:

• all on-site bathrooms facilities,
• any break facilities, and
• any other common areas on the job site that may have been in close contact with the infected worker.

Approved personnel, equipment, and materials will be used for COVID-19 sanitization.

Workers should stay away from exposed areas until the sanitation process is complete, and the area is safe for use.

Returning to Work

All workers should follow the CDC and DPH recommended steps about returning to work. Workers who are deemed close contacts to a COVID-19 case should not return for 14 days. They are subject to quarantine by public health.

Workers may leave during the workday due to COVID-19 symptoms. If a healthcare provider or laboratory testing confirms it's COVID-19, the worker should stay home. They should not return to the site until released from isolation.

In All Cases

• Keep all employee names confidential as required by law.
• Other employees may be sent home while a workspace is being cleaned. They should return to work after the cleaning unless advised otherwise by a health care provider.
• Other employees should contact their health provider if they have any questions.
• Remind other employees to continue practicing proper sanitation. They should also watch for flu-like symptoms.