In these challenging times many businesses are changing they way they operate. This is certainly true for the remodeling and construction industry as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. While we are adapting to respond and follow the guidelines outlined by the CDC, State and local authorities we are also confident those efforts can be helpful in protecting our clients, employees and sub-contractors when followed closely. Going forward we value and appreciate your confidence and trust that we can continue the process of remodeling safely as we continue through and thrive beyond this unprecedented public health event.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 the following guidelines are to be followed when working on all SDR jobsites until further notice.
- Worker Protections: SDR Team Members and subs need to take steps to protect themselves. Consult the CDC’s How to Protect Yourself.
- If you feel sick or have symptoms stay home: If employees have symptoms of acute respiratory illness (i.e., fever, cough, shortness of breath), they must stay home and not come to work until free of symptoms for at least 72 hours, without the use of medicine, or as recommended by the CDC’s What To Do if You Are Sick.
- Social Distancing: All SDR Team Members and sub-contractors must limit work in occupied areas to only those tasks that are strictly necessary. Employees and subcontractors must increase personal space to at least six feet where possible. If this is not possible you must wear a mask. Workers shall keep a min. distance of 10 feet from occupants and homeowners.
- SDR Designated Representatives: All SDR Team Members are considered to be designated representatives to watch for signs of illness from those working on-site. If signs of illness are observed the individuals presenting will be asked to leave the jobsite immediately. SDR employees are to also monitor the use of cleanliness standards and observance of social distancing guidelines.
- Personal Protective Equipment:
- Gloves: Gloves should be worn at all times while on site. The type of glove worn should be appropriate to the task. If gloves are not typically required for the task, then any type of glove is acceptable, including latex gloves.
- Eye protection: Eye protection should be worn all times while on site.
- Face masks: Face masks are to be worn at all times when inside the home. Due to a current widespread shortage of available masks, handmade masks can be used. We will require masks to be worn also when social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained.
- Construction Zone Barriers: It has always been SDR standard practice to erect plastic barriers and walls between living spaces and work zones. This practice will be continued and will include sealing of air ducts and doorways, use of HEPA air filters, covering floors and other surfaces and other means to create a safe and clean environment for clients and workers.
- Worksite Sanitation: Frequently touched surfaces are to be wiped down with disinfectant both inside and outside the job area.
- Tools: Hand and power tools are not to shared between workers.
- Hand Washing: All workers should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water throughout the day. A hand washing station can be installed on-site if needed. Hands shall be sanitized or washed:
- When entering or leaving the house or job site.
- After touching frequently touched surfaces or items.
- Periodically throughout the workday.
- After using the restroom.
- Before and after eating.
- Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer has been issued to all SDR employees and should be used frequently when needed.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Workers are always to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands immediately after.
- Don’t touch your face: Workers must refrain from touching their faces while on site.
- Handshaking: Shaking hands, high fives, fist bumps, and other physical skin-to-skin contact with others is not allowed under any circumstances.
Clients: Thank you for allowing us in your home during this time. Please understand the guidelines laid out above are in place to help protect you as well as the workers on-site. We want you to feel as comfortable and safe as possible living in your home while the work is proceeding. In addition to the above requirements we ask the following:
- If anyone in your home develops symptoms or illness please let us know right away.
- Please keep a social distance of min. 10 feet from SDR Team Members or sub-contractors working in your home.
- Please keep your living space and areas outside the work area clean and sanitized as best possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about any of the above guidelines, please contact our office at 503-254-4156.
Please stay safe and be healthy.
Thank You
Square Deal Remodeling