Tips for protecting your crews from coronavirus

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) is making headlines all over the world. During the course of the last few weeks, the state and federal government have taken unprecedented measures to prevent its spread.

With one of America’s main outbreaks in the Seattle-metro area, the crisis hits especially close to home.

Some businesses have decided to stop work altogether, but many have not. If you’re still asking your contractors to come to work, it’s important to encourage several basic safety measures.

1.) Encourage good hygiene. Preventing the spread of coronavirus starts with good hygiene. Encourage all of your team members to wash their hands regularly and to avoid touching their faces. You may even want to consider banning handshakes or high-fives on the job. Elbow bumps are becoming increasingly popular.

2.) Let sick workers stay home. The coronavirus can incubate from anywhere between 2-14 days. In the early stages, it doesn’t always present symptoms either. Let your team members know that it’s okay to stay home. If they wake up with a fever, sore throat or dry cough it’s better to stay home. This prevents exposure to other, healthy employees as well as the community at large.

3.) Don’t forget about mental health. The coronavirus pandemic is having wide-reaching effects on almost every aspect of American life. Understandably, many people report feeling anxious, afraid and unsure about what’s next. You can’t predict the future, but you can encourage your team members to care for their mental health. Stress management activities like yoga or meditation can alleviate tension and promote general well-being. Rest is also important. Getting. at least eight hours of sleep each night promotes mental clarity. It also strengthens your immune system, your first line of defense against illness.

By following these three tips, you can protect your contractors from illness and uncertainty. You can also access the Associated General Contractors’ coronavirus toolbox here.