While the spread of COVID-19 is having a major impact on the economy and the lives of people across the world, certain industries such as construction are being particularly hard-hit. KCA has been working closely with industry leaders to respond to questions about the spread of this disease and to provide the latest information on protecting construction workers on the job. To make this information readily accessible, we have developed this page to support the construction industry.
Guidance for Businesses in the Construction Industry Permitted to Operate during the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency
COVID-19 Toolbox Talks
COVID-19 and the Construction Industry Webinar
Recommended Safety & Health Response Plan for COVID-19 Exposure Mitigation
This comprehensive safety plan will assist contractors in protecting our workers during the Coronavirus pandemic. Governor Wolf wants to ensure public safety when businesses return and the KCA is fortunate to have strong relationships with other leading organizations that place an emphasis on worker's health and safety.
COVID-19 Package for Construction Projects
Construction industry professionals should feel free to consider using these worksheets to address coronavirus-related issues on the projects they are performing and bidding; compliments of Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC.
COVID-19 Paid Leave Company Policy Template
Per federal guidelines from the Department of Labor, companies (with 500 or fewer employees) must have a policy in place to deal with the paid leave provisions for COVID-19 in the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act."
Attached is an editable policy template that will fulfill the DOL's guidelines. We recommend having this as an internal policy on file to make available if requested.
Industry Operation Guidance
A list of business types that may continue physical operations, in relation to the Governor's Executive Order mandating closures for COVID-19 mitigation.
Employer Unemployment Compensation FAQs
Employees affected by a business closure, reduction in hours, or a medically or government directed
quarantine or isolation should be encouraged to file for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits
if no other compensation, such as paid leave, is available to them.
Employees should be aware that they cannot receive both UC benefits and paid leave,
as it may result in an "overpayment" that requires them to return benefits.
Department of Labor's CONVID-19 Employer Unemployment Compensation FAQs.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Here are some resources that may help you navigate through this Act:
On the FFCRA, the Department of Labor just announced that the effective date will be April 1, 2020. The leave is NOT retroactive.
OSHA Poster - COVID-19
OSHA recently published a non-mandatory workplace poster titled "Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" The poster outlines the basics of COVID-19 safety at work.
INTERIM ENFORCEMENT GUIDANCE
OSHA released an Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) this past Monday. This document outlines OSHA's approach to complaint responses and inspections relating to COVID-19. The agency understandably seeks to avoid onsite inspections and intends to communicate with employers remotely as much as they practically can.