Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is reopening construction projects in the state amid the coronavirus pandemic starting on May 1, 2020. Construction companies preparing for reentry should carefully review the most recent guidance, linked here. The following is a list highlighting that guidance:

• Follow the business safety Order of the Secretary of Health issued April 15, 2020,
• Ensure every person present at a work site wear a mask or face covering,
• Follow the building safety Order of the Secretary of Health issued April 5, 2020,
• Follow DOH and CDC guidance,
• Require workers to maintain 6 feet of social distancing (unless public safety or specific tasks require deviation),
• Provide hand washing stations,
• Implement cleaning or sanitizing of common or high traffic areas,
• Limit gatherings to10 people or less, even if outside,
• Use virtual meetings or email when possible,
• Stagger shifts, breaks, work areas and trades,
• Limit tool sharing and/or sanitize tools,
• Employ CDC guidance jobsite screening to determine if employees should work,
• Prohibit from working any employees with symptoms of COVID-19,
• Prohibit unnecessary visitors,
• Limit supply deliveries,
• Workers should travel to and from the job site separately,
• Identify a “Pandemic Safety Officer” for each project or work site.
• Residential projects are limited to four persons on the job site at any time,
• Commercial projects up to 2,000 square feet are limited to four persons on job sites,
• Commercial projects may allow one additional person for each 500 square feet of the enclosed area of over 2,000 square feet,
• Commercial construction firms are encouraged to establish a written Safety Plan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) relating to the Employee Safety order can be found here.

PennDOT’s COVID-19 Guidance for Restarting Construction Projects can be found here.

Please do not hesitate to call on the Stradley Ronon Construction Group for assistance regarding these issues.

Information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice or opinion or as a substitute for the advice of counsel. The articles by these authors may have first appeared in other publications. The content provided is for educational and informational purposes for the use of clients and others who may be interested in the subject matter. We recommend that readers seek specific advice from counsel about particular matters of interest.

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