AGC Houston Establishes COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites

Updated March 24, 2020: We recently compiled a recommended practices document for jobsites. We will continue to monitor the situation, and will update it as needed.
ENGLISH: Click here to download   
SPANISH: Click here to download

For information related to recommended practices or adding resources to this site, contact tamara.h@agchouston.org. 

FAQ: Can employers take temperatures of employees on jobsites?
AGC Answer: Many medical professionals are discouraging the taking of temperatures to make employment decisions because they are an unreliable indicator of who may or may not be infected.  While we do NOT recommend taking employee temperatures,  if a company chooses to do so, they should consult their attorneys. Also, visit the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission for guidance before doing so. AGC Member, Peckar & Abramson has offered these resources .
  
FAQ: What should we do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19?
AGC Answer: You should send home all employees who worked closely with that employee for a 14-day period of time to ensure the infection does not spread. Before the employee departs, ask them to identify all individuals who worked in close proximity (three to six feet) with them in the previous 14 days to ensure that you have a full list of those who should be sent home. When sending the employees home, do not identify by name the infected employee or you could risk a violation of confidentiality laws. If you work in a shared office building or area, you should inform building management so they can take whatever precautions they deem necessary. For more workplace safety guidance, visit https://www.fisherphillips.com/faqs#L2. Additionally, the CDC provides resources for non-healthcare businesses. 
  
FAQ: How do we create a site-specific safety plan that adheres to COVID-19 guidelines for our jobsites?
AGC Answer: Every jobsite presents a different set of challenges with regard to COVID-19 and worker safety. We therefore recommend that companies incorporate Industry best practices into their existing site specific safety plans and JSA’s for each job. (See AGC Houston’s recommended best practices document above.)

For information regarding safety concerns on jobsites, contact kim.m@agchouston.org.

 

Government Resources Related to COVID-19

OSHA Publication: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
  
EEOC: What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19 
EEOC: Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and Americans with Disabilities Act
  
CDC: Managing Anxiety and Stress
  
SBA: Small Business Administration offers disaster assistance in response to Coronavirus
SBA: Houston District Office offers resources for small businesses
  
DOL: U.S. Department of Labor's COVID-19 Resources
DOL: Information on common issues employers and workers face when responding to COVID-19

 

Houston-Area Counties Define Construction as Essential Business

March 24, 2020: A huge win for our industry! Commercial Construction is listed as an essential business under "Infrastructure, Development, Operation and Construction" of the Harris County "Stay Home, Work Safe" order. Construction in Houston will remain open for business, however it is important to continue following COVID-19 safety protocols at all times. 
Other counties in our area who have followed suit: Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Liberty County, 

For information regarding these ordinances, contact william.m@agchouston.org. 

Resources for Operating Businesses Under "Exemption" Classification

March 25, 2020:  AGC Member, Cokinos|Young, offers template language for use on construction jobsites in Harris and Galveston counties and for "essential business" employees to carry on their person.
  
March 25, 2020: Greater Houston Partnership offers employee access language for use by all essential employees.  They have also created a badge employers can place outside of their businesses. Click here for GHP guidelines for "Work Safe" companies.

For information regarding employment practices, contact charlene.a@agchouston.org. 
  

    

 

Construction Industry Calls for Action

AGC Houston: Open Letter to Harris County Officials 
Texas Building Branch AGC: Open Letter to Local Elected Officials 
AGC of America: Tell Congress to Protect Construction Jobs and Markets
 
Harris County Physicians request PPE donations: Click here for Flyer   |  Click here for HAM Donation Form
  

AGC of America Offers COVID-19 Resources for Employers

AGC has assembled general guidance and links to information from our federal agency partners and health organizations. AGC will continue to monitor the situation and update the information on this page accordingly. https://www.agc.org/coronavirus-covid-19

NEW! AGC's Comprehensive Analysis of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
March 27, 2020: AGC of America’s government relations team has combed through the details of the coronavirus relief bill set for passage in the House. They provided this initial analysis of what is in the bill and how it will impact the construction industry. We will, of course, share even more details as we continue to comb through the measure.

March 19, 2020: Summary of Paid Leave Mandates under the Families First Coronavirus Act, H.R. 6201
March 17, 2020: AGC of America shares Labor and Employment Checklist to consider when formulating responses to the situation as an employer. 
 
AGC Member, Andrews Myers, offered this chart related to emergency leave and FMLA (click chart to download):

Become a Member/Find a Member

When you join a local AGC Chapter, you become a member of the national organization. Being active at both the local and national level is the best way to maximize your membership. Visit our membership page  for more information.