The coronavirus put life on hold for months — or slowed it down, at least. If you had major plans for your property at the start of the year, like protecting the landscape or improving the traffic flow, then you most likely had to put that plan on hold while everyone was advised to stay at home for health reasons.
Now that the government has loosened coronavirus safety measures, there’s a higher chance that you can resume with your initial plan of installing heavy-duty concrete blocks around your property for optimal safety and security. You no longer have to worry about vandals and trespassers damaging your property.
While businesses are starting to open again and your contractor might be able to install your concrete barriers now, it’s still essential for you to be aware of the safety measures involved.
Safe Working Guidelines on Your Property
As the economy starts to move again and your contractor can finally install security barriers around your property, take a look at these practical actions to protect you and the workers from COVID-19.
1. Emphasise the need for a COVID-19 risk assessment.
Your contractor is responsible for doing a COVID risk assessment to make sure you and their workers remain safe during the coronavirus outbreak. Be transparent with this assessment.
Encourage frequent cleaning and handwashing procedures.
Another way to keep the workers safe is by encouraging them to follow proper handwashing and hygiene guidelines. That implies providing hand sanitisers and disinfectants in the workplace.
Maintain a 2-metre distance wherever possible.
It isn’t easy to maintain a 2m distance between workers. Set a gentle reminder to practice social distancing through signs and floor tape. Make sure only the required people are present on site.
Manage transmission risks through practical measures.
If a 2m distance is not possible, workers can work within a 1m range. It’s safer for them to work back-to-back or side-to-side. Also, see if you can shorten activity time and schedule staggered arrival and departure of the workers.
Your contractor is supposed to implement these guidelines, but as the property owner, you also have the responsibility of making these procedures possible for the team.
The Use of PPE in Outdoor Work
People in the construction industry and other types of outdoor work are more vulnerable to COVID-19, especially since social distancing of 2m is not always viable in their line of work.
You can have peace of mind knowing that the workers who install your concrete barriers are required to wear PPE that protects against health and safety risks. These typically include eye protection, gloves, helmets, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. Respiratory PPE, such as face masks and other forms of face covering, are also more common because of the coronavirus threat.
Keep in mind, however, that additional PPE beyond what is usually worn in construction and outdoor sites is not always beneficial. Clinical settings, fire responders, and immigration enforcement officers benefit more from additional PPE. In contrast, construction and outdoor workers can better protect themselves through social distancing and personal hygiene, and by working in fixed teams.
