As we now move into July, we must build on the lessons learned over the last few months and continue to apply all of the “best practices” that have been developed since the start of  the start of the COVID crisis in March.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to provide guidance on how we can keep our employees and customers safe in the months ahead.

Here are the key best practices:

1. Draft and distribute COVID-19 safe worksite practice policies, available on the NESPA website, which are based on CDC guidelines.
2. Educate employees on COVID-19 safe worksite practices and document attendance at these education meetings.
3. Have employees sign the policies and maintain a copy in their employee file.
4. Practice worksite “safe-distancing”: limit meetings, group “stand arounds” and toolbox meetings; conduct meetings remotely or at social-distancing distances; break larger meetings into smaller groups to accommodate distancing.
5. Demand crews wear PPE [personal protective equipment], such as masks and gloves and other items recommended based on CDC and OSHA guidance.
6. Limit employees on worksites to numbers allowed under Executive Orders [from your state and municipalities]. The only employees on site should be those necessary to complete the work being performed.
7. Spot check and document crews to ensure compliance with “safe-distancing” practices and PPE requirements. Document spot checks and compliance.
8. Prohibit non-essential visitors from entering the worksite, including the homeowner.
9. One person –one tool: Reduce/prevent tool sharing.
10. Stagger work start/stop times, lunch breaks and port-a-john use.
11. Practice healthy behavior: insist on proper handwashing, coughing, sneezing, and provide hand sanitizers and wipes.
12. Keep all COVID-19 documents to demonstrate compliance to authorities.

A key element to keep employees safe is to always “walk the talk” yourself. That is, if you are demanding that employees wear face masks and use hand sanitizer on the job, then you do it too. If employees see you doing it, they are more likely to comply with your requests.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on procedures and requirements in the States that your company works by visiting NESPA’s COVID-19 Resource Center.  During the 2020 pool and spa season, please Stay Safe. Work Smart. Stay Connected.
 

Mitch Katz, CBP, CSP
The Land of Elite
NESPA President