June 24, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we work across all industries. As the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation, we protect over 70,000 businesses in Texas and their 1.5 million workers, with over 25% of that representing the construction industry. Our team of safety experts works closely across all industries to ensure we provide you with resources to prevent workplace incidents, and that service is more important than ever. Depending on local mandates, many Texas businesses are starting to reopen at limited capacity, while others with the ability to conduct work from home continue to do so. Essential businesses, like those in the construction industry, cannot operate without the majority of employees on-site.

In this article series – Working safely during COVID-19 – we’re providing safety tips for industries with employees working on-site.

Incorporate social distancing

One of the primary ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is by staying at least 6 feet away from others. Post signage to remind workers of social distancing guidelines and arrange schedules to help enforce the behavior.

• Schedule workers at different times throughout the day in order to limit the number of people on-site at one time.
• Schedule lunch and rest breaks at staggering periods so that employees aren’t gathered in the same area.
• Avoid the use of a common cooler and instead opt for individual reusable or disposable water bottles.
• Limit meetings to less than 10 attendees and hold them in a place where distance can be maintained.

Stop the spread of germs

Germs can also be spread through the touching of surfaces.

• Do not share personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Avoid sharing tools when possible but if it’s unavoidable, sanitize them before use.
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces such as portable toilets, frequently.
• Wear gloves and face masks as appropriate, but not as substitutions for required PPE.
• At the end of a shift, clean PPE or dispose of it properly.

General preventative measures

Basic hygiene practices are crucial for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

• Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds before eating and drinking.
• If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• When you arrive home, wash your hands, shower and change your clothing as soon as possible.
• Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness.

Please be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is still developing. The details provided here are based on information available at the time of development. For the most up-to-date information regarding the virus and safety precautions, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Current events should not overshadow basic workplace safety. Health and safety are everyone’s responsibility and should be prioritized each and every day. Texas Mutual is committed to this message and helping our policyholders get their employees home safely each day. For more resources for your business, visit our Coronavirus Resources page or contact our safety services support center at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723).