NIST COVID Construction Safety Plan Addendum.pdf

A primer on Construction Safety Plan Addendums for COVID19

For all construction projects taking place on NIST facilities, it is required that projects currently awarded and all projects to be awarded thru the end of FY20 (FY21 awards to be addressed at a later date) update safety plans to include an addendum specific to COVID19 safety measures. This does not mean a re-opening of entire safety plans but rather a focus on changes specific to COVID19 to address safe workplace requirements for construction workers and NIST staff working near these projects.

What follows is a listing or requirements to be included in a safety plan addendum by construction contractors:

1.) Overarching Guidance:

a. Contractors are to immediately report any cases of suspected or confirmed COVID19 cases immediately to NIST COR.

b. Contractors must comply with NIST COVID19 specific safety guidance when in NIST common areas.

c. How will the contractor ensure compliance with CDC and OSHA guidelines?

d. What physical workplace changes will be implemented to maximize worker and visitor safety?

e. What requirements will be placed on changes in worker behavior on the project site?

f. What training and communications will be utilized to ensure knowledge and understanding of updated requirements when coming to work?

2.) Physical Workplace Requirements:

a. Signage

b. Cleaning & Disinfection Stations

c. Changes in cleaning & disinfection protocols in the workplace (porta-potties, contractor owned trailers, designated break/lunch areas, delivery locations & trash locations)

3.) Worker Behavior:

a. Requirements for staying home when sick

i. Response to workers who have been on site who test positive for COVID19

b. Worker health checks

c. Social Distancing

d. Face Coverings

e. Gathering restrictions & how they will be dealt with for common activities of groups of more than 10 people

f. Work Breaks and Lunch Revisions

g. Reducing physical contact with others

h. Changes in AHA’s & JHA’s for COVID19 specific measures

i. Shared resources (tools/equipment, water stations, etc.) revisions

4.) Training & Communications:

a. Mandatory back to work training for employees on new requirements/expectations

i. Documentation to track training completion

b. Info to employees on changes in the workplace to mitigate the spread of germs/virus

c. Plan for how to communicate information to employees on COVID19 specific changes in the workplace beyond training