Plainville, CT – Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (CT ABC) issued the following update on the “Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers” released by the state of Connecticut:
On April 7, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont provided an update on the state’s actions to combat the spread of COVID-19 and signed another executive order which you can read here. One edict of the executive order pertains to safe workplaces in essential businesses. Specifically the order dictates that every workplace shall take additional protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Additional legally binding guidance was released along with the order which outlines specific actions employers must take in order to ensure the safety of their workplaces. That guidance can be found here. Here are the items listed specifically for construction:
- Clean portable bathrooms no less than every two days.
- Require employees to travel separately to and from, and within, worksites.
- Reschedule work to maximize the amount of work being performed outdoors, limit indoor or work lacking significant fresh air.
- Shift work to limit the size of the crews on the jobsite, especially indoors.
- Rotate lunch and coffee break shifts, requiring workers to follow the CDC social distancing guidelines during meals or breaks.
- Follow all safety and health protocols when using an elevator.
- Provide an adequate supply of PPE, including but not limited to masks, gloves, hand sanitizer.
State officials have indicated that they will be doing roving checks to ensure proper safety precautions are being take and will reserve the right to shut down jobsites that are not taking the proper precautions.
Additionally, the governor is holding a conference call for employers on Thursday, April 9 from 1:00-2:00pm. The topics will include the Federal Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Grants, Connecticut initiatives to assist businesses and residents, mortgage deferment and assistance, and the health insurance grace period. Here is the call-in information:
Call Number: 888-456-0356
Passcode: 2802806#
