Construction Projects Return To Pennsylvania But With Restrictions

The construction industry in Pennsylvania resumed operations on May 1, 2020, under Governor Wolf’s order after the shutdown resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Despite reopening, all construction businesses must follow certain guidelines during operations to counter the spread of the virus. The following provides details about reopening, continuing, or beginning projects.

Residential Construction

Residential construction projects are not permitted to have more than four people at a job site at any one time. This limit includes the employees of prime and sub-contractors but excludes delivery persons, code inspectors, and other individuals who require only temporary access to the project and are not directly involved in the construction activity.

Commercial Construction

Any enclosed commercial construction project spanning 2,000 square feet or less is prohibited from having more than four people present at the job site. Like residential project restrictions, this limit includes the employees of prime and sub-contractors but excludes delivery persons, code inspectors, and other individuals who require only temporary access to the project and are not directly involved in the construction activity. One distinction is that for every 500 square feet above 2,000, one additional person is allowed may be present on a commercial construction site.

Another is that commercial construction businesses are advised to formulate a written safety plan that outlines the procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the project for each job site, and is shared with all workers.

In addition to the above restrictions, all Pennsylvania construction projects must:

• Include a “Pandemic Safety Officer” (PSO) who is responsible for conveying, implementing, and enforcing social distancing and other restrictions on the project. For smaller projects, only one PSO must be identified. For larger projects, a PSO should be selected for each contractor;
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between workers unless public or worker safety requires otherwise (including the installation of drywall or lifting heavy items);
• Prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people (social distancing should be maintained even if outside);
• Limit access to enclosed spaces unless necessary;
• Meet and distribute information electronically if possible;
• Reorganize shifts, breaks, and work areas to decrease the number of workers at the job site;
• Restrict visitors and other unnecessary personnel from the job site;
• Employ job site screening as outlined by the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC), including barring employees with COVID-19 symptoms;
• Provide handwashing stations at appropriate job site locations, such as building entrances and break rooms;
• Create cleaning and sanitizing protocols for areas where there is a high risk of transmission;
• Limit the sharing of tools (if this is not possible, sanitize each tool after use);
• If possible, prohibit workers from traveling to and from the job site in the same vehicle;
• Follow the applicable provisions of the Secretary of Health’s April 15, 2020 Order (including requiring the use of masks/face coverings at the worksite, and establishing procedures to address the potential exposure of the business to a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19);
• Follow the applicable provisions of the Secretary of Health’s April 5, 2020 Order (including cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas); and
• Follow the applicable Department of Health and CDC guidance.

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