Washington State is developing a three-phase approach to restarting the construction industry after a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state with the first reported cases in the U.S., Washington formed a construction advisory group to make recommendations on how to reopen construction activity. That group has sent its plan to Gov. Jay Inslee.
Most of the first-phase projects to reopen could include some commercial, residential, and road building jobs that were already started when the shutdown occurred. These low-risk projects would allow for safe social distancing of six feet of space between workers.
The second phase of projects would include new and existing jobs that can’t consistently conform to social distancing requirements. There would be requirements for personal protective equipment for workers stationed within six feet of each other.
Phase three involves projects with more opportunities for workers to crowd together such as skyscrapers where people have to use elevators and may not have access to hand-washing stations on every floor. The recommendations were a result of collaboration between labor and management. Every decision was reportedly unanimous.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 19, 2021
Massive infrastructure bill includes hundreds of millions for building energy efficiency
Funds allotted for updated code implementation, construction technology, K-12 efficiency programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2021
Fannie Mae green bonds program could be greenwashing
Analysis shows significant number of green bond properties become less efficient.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2021
Three Texas cities head list of most environmentally vulnerable
Hazard analysis includes natural disasters and government response categories.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2021
Bill would reform New York’s public contracting process
Council on Public Contracting Reform to have contractor representation.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2021
AGC pushes for more environmentally friendly construction
Contractor trade group supports government investment, tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints.
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2021
Decentralized approach to codes means emissions reduction responsibility falls on local officials
Efficiency advocates focusing more on local code amendments.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2021
Dept. of Energy issues model energy code determinations for commercial, residential buildings
2021 IECC offers 9.4% site energy savings.
Digital Twin | Aug 9, 2021
Digital Twin Maturity white paper offers guidance on digital twin adoption
Provides lifecycle map and an approach for incorporating digital twins.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2021
Contractors can be liable for building failures many years after project completion
Personal injury suits could be brought decades after substantial completion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2021
Mass timber is a natural choice for building recycling through deconstruction
Designing wood buildings to optimize recovery of materials for disassembly aids carbon sequestration.
