Boston – Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm, has developed a robust COVID-19 safety plan, created in partnership with trade unions, industry peer groups, and other firms.
The firm has rolled out safety protocols, new job-site innovation, and an exhaustive COVID-19 risk assessment and response plan to all project sites across the country, ensuring the safety of all employees and team members. Shawmut developed a new custom technology platform designed to check for COVID-19 symptoms and manage contact tracing to minimize and control infectious disease spread.
Shawmut team members created the Shawmut Vitals platform, which allows employees and subcontractors to self-certify daily health screenings by scanning a job-specific QR code, then filling out a health survey. If an individual is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to someone who is either infected or at-risk, the individual is flagged for further care and action, enabling Shawmut to continue to deliver its people-first approach to construction projects. This software solution, built entirely in-house, is easily integrated into existing Shawmut systems, allowing team members to access information on their mobile devices at a much faster rate.
The firm has also mobilized new platforms designed to monitor for safety compliance, enforce appropriate on-site social distancing, and screen personnel for fevers. Having rolled out SmartVid.io across all projects over a year ago, Shawmut is also maximizing the use of the technology’s new capability to detect if people on job sites are not properly social distancing.
Similarly, Shawmut has implemented the use of Feevr, a device that screens for elevated temperatures. Created in response to the pandemic, Feevr enables the user to identify individuals with an elevated body temperature without making direct contact, thereby minimizing the risk of infectious disease cross contamination. Shawmut will also pilot the use of a wearable device that buzzes and alerts the Shawmut team members if workers are within six feet of one another.
In addition to the use of safety technology, the Shawmut COVID-19 response plan outlines stringent guidelines for self-awareness and reporting; social distancing; hygiene protocol; disinfecting equipment and high-contact areas; the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); site safety requirements; on-site communication; and emergency procedures.
A dedicated COVID-19 officer will be on site 100% of the time to enforce all site safety protocol.
