New York City’s Phase 1 and 2 reopening have brought about the reopening of many job sites which did not have the chance to remain open during the pandemic. While many are eager to get back to work, the city has given out guidelines that must be adhered to continue to not only work safely but also keep our city safe from more infections. On June 8th the Building Department began inspecting all job sites that have an active permit with the DOB to ensure they are following Covid Safety procedures. They are notifying all permit holders of any inadequacies found at the job site with regard to COVID -19 Safety, Building Code, and Electrical Code compliance. They have also given guidance on how to adhere to it. Please see links below:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/ConstructionMasterGuidance.pdf
No violations will be given at present, but starting July 8, 2020 the DOB will be performing a second wave of inspections. All non-complying sites will receive fines starting at $5,000 per violation with the potential for a Stop Work Order. If compliance is not enforced swiftly the civil penalties could escalate to $10,000 for each offense.
The DOB has provided the following requirements for reopened sites in reference to COVID-19 Safety protocols on construction sites:
A Safety Plan specific to the site must be available and posted where it can be easily seen. This plan needs to include a copy of the Affirmation to the State.
Compliance with social distancing protocols.
All site personnel and visitors must wear acceptable face coverings appropriate for their task.
Readily available hand hygiene stations, using either: Soap, running warm water, and disposable paper towels OR Alcohol-based hand sanitizer where hand washing stations are not practical.
COVID-19 signage that is visible to all reminding personnel to adhere to proper hand hygiene, physical distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting protocol.
There must be properly completed and updated cleaning and disinfection logs.
Tightly confined spaces (e.g., elevators, hoists) must be occupied by 50% maximum allowed number of people –50% capacity must be posted within the cab AND at each landing.
A communication plan for employees, visitors, and clients must be available on site.
Correctly completed and updated logs of every person who may have had close contact with others on site to ensure effective contact tracing.
These protocols must be followed in order to avoid any unnecessary fines and violations. As we are all eager to keep moving forward we also know that a Stop Work Order is that last thing anyone wants to have occur on a job after being so long on hold. MJM+A and Oculus Consulting Group have vast experience in resolving these situations and will be here to advise and aid you in any way we can. Feel free to reach out to us for all your project needs.
Stay safe!
