coronavirus construction guidelines

Coronavirus Construction Guidelines for Our Coverage Areas

The COVID-19 crisis continues to hold our country in suspended animation. Citizens in all but seven states are ordered to stay-at-home, schools remain closed, and commerce is crippled by the closure of all but essential businesses. According to the Department of Homeland Security, businesses deemed essential are those supplying life-sustaining products – like pharmacies and grocery stores – as well as crucial services like the post office and banks. But where does construction fit in?

It seems the federal government realizes what those of us in the industry have always known, the construction trade is unique. In addition to building and maintaining critical infrastructure and residential housing, construction is bound by supply chain, financial, and contractual commitments. In an effort to keep crews safe, the framework of our cities operational, and obligations and responsibilities fulfilled, the feds have left individual construction guidelines up to the states. In the hopes of keeping your team healthy and the coronavirus from adversely affecting your bottom line, we’ve summarized the guidelines for the states in our coverage area while providing links to more in-depth information. Stay safe!

Colorado

Construction has been deemed an essential industry under the statewide coronavirus order.

Originally, construction was only permitted to build and repair housing for vulnerable and low-income individuals along with services related to maintaining sanitation and safety. The revised order provides more specific guidelines and allows construction to continue with the following social distancing requirements:

  • Reduce the size of work crews
  • Minimize interactions between work teams
  • Avoid contact with visitors
  • Maintain 6-foot distance between employees
  • Avoid in-person meetings
  • Conduct office work remotely
  • No worker congregation during breaks

Along with additional requirements pertaining to hygiene, employee health, and travel.

Montana

Essential workers include building and construction tradesmen.

According to the directive, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to offer, provision, operate, maintain, and repair essential infrastructure, including but not limited to:

  • Construction required in response to this public health emergency
  • Hospital construction
  • Construction of long-term care facilities
  • Public works construction
  • Housing construction

Nebraska

No stay-at-home order has been issued for the state however, they have recommended limits on public gatherings to less than 10 people. No formal restrictions for manufacturers or construction.

South Dakota

No stay-at-home order has been issued for the state however, the governor signed an order asking businesses to scale down operations and modify practices for safety. There is a continued exemption for manufacturing and construction while following CISA essential business guidelines.

Wyoming

Only the Wind River Reservation is under a stay-at-home order. Bars, restaurants, schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools are closed statewide. Other businesses remain open yet ban gatherings of more than 10 people. No formal restrictions for manufacturers or construction.

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