Print
Share page with AddThis

Town Announces New Safety Policy for all Construction Projects along with its Workers During COVD-19 Pandemic

Posted on: April 8, 2020 - 11:44am

Town Announces New Safety Policy for all 

Construction Projects along with its Workers

During COVD-19 Pandemic

(Saugus, MA) April 8, 2020 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, in conjunction with Town Officials, is announcing new guidelines for construction and Department of Public Works projects along with all employees within the community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Executive Order, as of April 8, 2020, implements new rules to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep everyone safe.

As part of this Order, workers must demonstrate an absence of COVID-19 symptoms and known exposure. At the start of each day, workers are required to report to their supervisors to certify that they are in compliance.

Job sites must be equipped with hand sanitizers, wash stations, along with cleaning and decontamination procedures; these measures should be implemented immediately. In addition, job sites must adhere to strict social distancing guidelines and follow a no gathering policy. 

If and when social distancing is not possible in a certain situation, workers are to wear proper personal protective equipment supplied by their employer: masks, gloves, and eye protection. 

Under the Executive Order, all projects with ten or more employees require the contractor to establish a Hazard Analysis and Compliance Plan. Plans must elect a designated COVID-19 Compliance Officer and be approved by the Town’s Public Health Director prior to the start of the project.

If these projects do not comply with the Executive Order they will be stopped and shut down immediately. A failure to comply with the policies and procedures included in the Executive Order can result in the loss of any and all pertinent permits. Current permit holders will be notified of the Executive Order by mail via the Health Department/Inspectional Services Department. Larger ongoing projects will be visited on-site and hand-delivered a copy of the Order.

For more information, please call the Saugus Health Department at 781-231-4117 or visit their website at https://www.saugus-ma.gov/board-health

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

For more information about the Town of Saugus, visit www.saugus-ma.gov.

 

OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER

TOWN OF SAUGUS

EMERGENCY GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION SITES AND WORKERS AT ALL PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS

    WHEREAS, the Governor, by both emergency Executive orders dated March 23, 2020 and March 31, 2020, as well as with accompanying written guidance from Executive branch offices for legal, transportation, and capital asset management, has set forth standards concerning the Town’s authority to enforce health and safety standards in connection with the State of Emergency due to the continuing impact of Covid-19 on our community;  and

    WHEREAS, the Town intends to take all appropriate steps to act pursuant such authority, both currently and as it may be amended and revised during this State of Emergency; 

    THEREFORE, through that authority as well that granted to the Office of Town Manager, I hereby ORDER that the following Emergency Guidelines and Procedures SHALL be implemented at all times on all construction sites and permitted public work sites within the Town of Saugus. All construction sites and permitted public work sites SHALL immediately provide these Guidelines to all employees and workers.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH PROTECTION - ZERO TOLERANCE

  • COVID-19 Typical Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat 
  • ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SICK WORKERS REPORTING TO WORK. IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME. IF YOU FEEL SICK, GO HOME. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE SICK, SEND THEM HOME.
  • If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms above, you are mandated to report this to your supervisor (via phone, text or email) immediately, and head home from the job site or stay home if already there.
  • If you notice a co-worker showing signs or complaining about such symptoms, he or she should be directed to their supervisor (via phone, text or email) and asked to leave the project site immediately.
  • Prior to starting a shift, each employee shall certify to their supervisor that they: 
    • Have no signs of a fever or a measured temperature above 100.3 degrees or greater, a cough or trouble breathing within the past 24 hours.
    • Have not had "close contact" with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. "Close contact" means living in the same household as a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, caring for a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, being within 6 feet of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 for about 15 minutes, or coming in direct contact with secretions (e.g., sharing utensils, being coughed on) from a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, while that person was symptomatic.
    • Have not been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by their doctor or a local public health official.
  • Employees exhibiting symptoms or unable to so certify should be directed to leave the work site and seek medical attention and applicable testing by their health care provider. They are not to return to the work site until cleared by a medical professional.

GENERAL ON-THE-JOB GUIDANCE TO PREVENT ECPOSURE & LIMIT THE TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS

  • No handshaking.
  • Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.
  • Contractor Offices and contractor sites are locked down to all but authorized personnel. 
  • Each jobsite shall develop cleaning and decontamination procedures that are posted and shared. These Procedures must cover all areas including trailers, gates, equipment, vehicles, etc. and shall be posted at all entry points to the sites, and throughout the project/work site.
  • Avoid face to face meetings - critical situations requiring in-person discussion must follow social distancing.
  • Conduct all meetings via conference calls, if possible. Do not convene meetings of more than 10 people.
  • Recommend use of cell phones, texting, web meeting sites and conference calls for project/work discussion.
  • All individual work crew meetings/tailgate talks should be held outside and follow social distancing.
  • Please keep all crews a minimum of 6' apart at all times to eliminate the potential of cross contamination. Multi person activities will be limited where feasible (two person lifting activities).
  • At each job briefing/toolbox talk, employees should be asked if they are experiencing any symptoms, and are sent home if they are.
  • Each jobsite/worksite should have laminated COVID-19 safety guidelines and handwashing instructions.
  • All restroom facilities/porta-potties should be cleaned and handwashing stations must be provided with soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels. Soap and hand sanitizers must be also kept socked inside the restroom facilities/porta-potties.
  • All surfaces should be regularly cleaned, including surfaces, door handles, laptops, etc.
  • All common areas and meeting areas are to be regularly cleaned and disinfected at least once a day but preferably twice a day.
  • All employees shall use their own water bottle. The sharing of bottles is strictly prohibited.
  • To avoid external contamination, the Town of Saugus recommends all employees bring food from home.
  • Maintain Social Distancing separation during breaks and lunch.
  • Breaks and lunches should be staggered to minimize unnecessary congregation.
  • Cover coughing or sneezing with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands. If no tissue is available then cough into your elbow.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
  • To avoid sharing germs, please clean up after yourself. DO NOT make others responsible for moving, unpacking and packing up your personal belongings.

WORK SITE RISK PREVENTION PRACTICES

  • The Town of Saugus shall have a 100% glove policy moving forward for all employees. All construction workers will be required to wear cut-resistant gloves or the equivalent. 
  • Use of eye protection (safety goggles/face shields) is recommended.
  • In work conditions where required social distancing is impossible to achieve, affected employees shall be supplied Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including as appropriate a standard face mask, gloves, and eye protection.
  • All employees shall drive to work site/parking area in a single occupant vehicle. The busing of employees to and from work site is strictly prohibited.
  • When entering a machine or vehicle which an employee is not certain he/she was the last person to enter, make sure that the employee wipes down the interior and door handles with disinfectant prior to entry.
  • Large gathering places on the site such as shacks and break areas will be eliminated and instead small break areas will be used with seating limited to ensure social distancing.
  • Contact the cleaning person for your office trailer or office space and ensure they have proper COVID-19 sanitation processes. Cleaning visits should be increased to daily, at a minimum.
  • Clean all high contact surfaces a minimum of twice a day in order to minimize the spread of germs in areas that people touch frequently. This includes but is not limited to desks, laptops and vehicles.

WASH STATIONS

All site-specific projects with outside construction sites without ready access to an indoor bathroom MUST install Wash Stations.

  • Install hand wash stations with hot water, if possible, and soap at fire hydrants or other water sources to be used for frequent handwashing for all onsite employees.
  • All onsite workers must help to maintain and keep stations clean.
  • If any individual notices soap or towels are running low or out, immediately notify supervisors.
  • Garbage barrels will be placed next to the hand wash station for disposal of tissues/towels.

HAZARD ANALYSIS AND COMPLIANCE PLAN AND DESIGNATION OF COVID-19 OFFICER APPLICABLE FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS EMPLOYING 10 OR GREATER EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTORS AND DAY LABORERS

  • Prior to the issuance of any building, demolition, electrical, gas and/or plumbing permit, the Contractor must file with the Saugus Inspectional Services Department, with a copy to the Saugus Health Director, a report detailing the hazards posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that are presented at the work site and a plan specifying the methods by which those hazards will be mitigated. In addition, the plan shall specify the methods by which the project will comply with the requirements of these Policies and Procedures, including a sketch plan showing where all required physical elements, such as wash stations and bathroom facilities, will be located.
  • Prior to the issuance of any trench, driveway, street, utility connection permit, or any other permit issued by the Saugus Department of Public Works (DPW), the Contractor must file with the DPW Director, with a copy to the Saugus Health Director, a report detailing the hazards posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that are presented at the work site and a plan specifying the methods by which those hazards will be mitigated. In addition, the plan shall specify the methods by which the project will comply with the requirements of these Policies and Procedures, including a sketch plan showing where all required physical elements, such as wash stations and bathroom facilities, will be located.
  • Such Compliance Plan shall include the designation of a COVID-19 Officer (who may be the Owner, Contractor or a Health and Safety Officer), who shall certify under the penalties of perjury that the project and jobsite are in compliance with these Policies and Procedures. The name, address, e-mail address, telephone number of the COVID-19 Officer shall be provided to the Public Health Director. The COVID-19 Officer shall verify weekly in writing to the Health Director that the project has been compliance for the preceding week or, if not in compliance, all instances of noncompliance and all measures taken to bring the project and jobsite into compliance.
  • Any project permitted prior to the issuance of these mandatory Policies and Procedures shall have three (3) business days (not including the date of this Order) to file the report plan required hereunder showing how the construction site and/or worksite meets these Policies and Procedures or how the site will be modified to meet these Policies and Procedures. Said report shall be filed with the Public Health Director. Failure to file the report and plan as required will result in immediate suspension of any permit issued and an order to cease and desist.

FEES FOR PERMITS

All fees schedules for permits shall be modified for the duration of the state of emergency to be 1.5 times the existing fee plus the cost of any protective equipment provided by the Town to its inspectors and used during an inspection of the project.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Everyone should be informed that they maintain good health by:  getting adequate sleep; eating a balanced, healthy diet, avoiding alcohol; and consuming plenty of fluids.

This document is not intended to replace any formalized procedures currently in place with the General Contractor or Manufacturing Employer.

Where this guidance does not meet or exceed the standards put forth by the General Contractor, everyone shall abide by the most stringent procedure available.

This Order shall apply to all general contractors and subcontractors working at a specific site. The COVID-19 Officer of the general contractor shall be responsible to ensure that all subcontractors are complying with the terms of this Order.

The approved project Health and Safety Plan (HASP) may be modified to require that the Contractor's site-specific project COVID-19 Officer submit a written daily report to the Owner's Representative. The COVID-19 Officer shall certify that the contractor and all subcontractors are in full compliance with these guidelines. 

In addition, to the extent that any further specific guidance is required to revise the conditions present in a project HASP plan (e.g. the Commonwealth provides additional specific requirements necessary for the public safety on construction sites, such as checking the temperature of individuals on-site), the Town shall require such further conditions as may be required to assure compliance.

Construction sites that cannot consistently comply with this Order, including ensuring that social distancing and safety requirements are being followed, must:

  • Safely secure the site and pause construction activities until a corrective action plan is prepared, submitted and approved by both the Owner and the Town; or 
  • Close down the site for the duration of the State of Emergency if repeatedly found by either the Owner's COVID-19 Officer or a state or local inspector (including a third-party private inspector accountable to the Town) to be in violation of the social distancing and safety requirements.

The Director of Public Health may require the Owner of a private project employing ten or greater employees (including subcontractors and day laborers) to pay for an independent, third party inspector or inspection firm (or to pay into a pool to pay for such inspections). The third party inspector shall be accountable solely to the Town of Saugus and shall be responsible for enforcement on behalf of the Town. The Director of Public Health may require private projects to pause construction until such a third-party inspector has been secured.

ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

  • The Health Director is authorized to designate individuals appropriate to enforce this Order, which may include employees of the Departments of Health, Inspectional Services, and/or other appropriate Town agencies and departments, who shall thereby possess the power to enforce the provisions of this Order. 

ANY NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THESE GUIDELINES SHALL BE A BASIS FOR THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF WORK. ANY CONTRACTOR IN VIOLATION OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN DETAILING EACH ISSUE OF NONCOMPLIANCE AND A PLAN TO CORRECT THE ISSUE(S). THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RESUME WORK UNTIL THE PLAN IS APPROVED BY THE TOWN. ANY ADDITIONAL ISSUES OF NON­COMPLIANCE MAY BE SUBJECT TO ACTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTOR'S PREQUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION STATUS.

This Order shall remain in effect during the duration of the State of Emergency due to the impact of Covid-19 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

SO ORDERED:

Scott C. Crabtree                           

Saugus Town Manager

Dated:  April 8, 2020