The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) has launched a free online COVID-19 Exposure Planning Tool.
The accompanying website helps employers develop a plan, including what to consider when conducting a job hazard analysis for COVID-19, selecting appropriate controls, screening workers and visitors, training employees and implementing the plan.
The planning tool helps employers reduce worker exposure to COVID-19 in four steps:
- Identify where employees could be exposed to COVID-19 and the control measures that will be used to protect them and prevent exposure, such as social distancing.
- Establish the procedures for screening employees and protocols for workers and visitors who become sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19 on the job.
- Determine the COVID-19-related training that will be provided, including who will be trained, how the training will be provided and who will conduct the training.
- Complete the final elements of the plan, including information about the job and who will be responsible for implementing the plan.
Once the information is completed, employers will have a tailored written plan that can be printed and emailed. There is an option to confidentially register for those who wish to save and edit their plans at a later time, though registration is not required to use this free tool.
The planning tool meets recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH that employers have a plan to assess COVID-19 risks and act to create a safe workspace.
This planning tool is the latest resource from CPWR to keep workers safe, prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help keep construction job sites open. Earlier this year, CPWR also created the COVID-19 Construction Clearinghouse, a Toolbox Talk and, in conjunction with NABTU, the COVID-19 Standards for U.S. Construction Sites.