Excel Constructors Updated Policy on COVID-19 and the Kansas City Work from Home Order (as of March 24, 2020)
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As a multi-worksite organization with high traffic volume and necessity of close personal working spaces, Excel Constructors could be severely affected by a COVID-19 virus outbreak in our office building or at our jobsites. It is important for team members to be proactive; forming habits that will help keep our community safe and clean in the unfortunate event the COVID-19 virus passes through our doors or gates.
Information about COVID-19 is changing quickly. Misinformation is also circulating. For the most accurate information, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) www.cdc.gov, the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) www.kdheks.gov or the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) www.jocogov.org. Information on the Kansas City Work from Home Order can be found at www.kcmo.gov. Referencing the Kansas City Work from Home Order, Excel Constructors is an essential infrastructure, therefore our jobsites will remain open at this time. It is very important we take the lead on social distancing and provide safe working environments. To assist in this effort, Excel has established the following policies that are in effect until further notice:
VISITORS/GROUP GATHERINGS: Excel Constructors will limit jobsite visitors to essential personnel only. In person meetings of six (6) or more shall be conducted by conference call or canceled. Functions that are nonessential should be canceled or postponed. Limiting the amount of traffic in and out of the building and jobsites will reduce the chance of virus transmission. The office shall be closed, but staff with essential duties that require office time will be allowed to enter. The office shall be closed to all visitors. Deliveries must be left in the vestibule. Sanitizer shall be placed in the vestibule and should be used before exchanging any documents. Subcontractor check distribution at the office is suspended and checks will be mailed once proper documentation has been received. Working from home will be the standard for all office employees except for those whose duties at times necessitate being in the office. Shifts shall be staggered to reduce the population in the office to a minimum.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: Each jobsite shall post a COVID 19 information and prevention poster as supplied by Human Resources (HR). Each team member will be equipped with hand sanitizer. Any team member who appears to be sick will be asked to leave the site. Any subcontractor employee that appears to be sick will be reported to the respective subcontractor’s onsite representative and will be denied access to the jobsite and asked to leave. Superintendents shall record prevention measures and sicknesses in the daily field reports. A sign-in sheet shall be posted, and all personnel onsite shall provide name and telephone number. This shall be used as a contact list in the event of a confirmed case at the site. Prevention of spreading the virus shall be discussed at toolbox talks, at progress meetings and in daily communications. Social distancing of six (6) feet shall always be practiced when practical. Groups working in the same confined space shall be limited to six (6) or less. Superintendents shall increase the supply of tissues and trash receptacles. Phones, desks, and other work tools and equipment shall not be shared, when possible. Surfaces should be wiped after use of such tools or equipment. Regular housekeeping practices shall be maintained including use of products with EPA-approved disinfectants with claims against emerging viral pathogens. Project inspections shall be scheduled and conducted at the direction of the respective inspection office personnel.
CONFIRMED CASE: Prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a critical step in protecting workers, customers, visitors and others at a worksite. If an individual associated with the building or jobsite becomes infected, the superintendent shall notify HR immediately and who will then notify the appropriate health agency of such infection within four (4) hours. The respective project manager shall quickly communicate this information to the project Owner and collaboratively with direction from the local agency notified above determine whether to close the job site or continue its progress. In either event, a thorough cleaning of the area should be conducted whenever possible. A notification of such infection shall be distributed to project Owners, design team members and subcontractor personnel within eight (8) hours.
PREVENTION: The CDC recommends the following prevention actions:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
IF YOU BECOME ILL: If you become ill, please let your supervisor know immediately. Avoid public interaction and follow the instructions listed in the CDC guidelines including but not limited to:
• Stay home except to get medical care.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Wear a facemask.
• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean your hands often.
• Clean all “high touch” surfaces every day.
• Monitor your symptoms
We all must work together on this, doing what we can both individually and collectively, to reduce our risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to others.
