How Municipal Projects Continue During COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter the personal and professional lives of people around the globe, many individuals continue to work on essential jobs. One of the jobs that continue as scheduled deals with municipal sewer and pipe projects. These particular projects are vital during the COVID-19 pandemic as the strain to existing infrastructure increases and more people are forced to stay at home.
Yet despite this heightened demand, workers continue to tackle projects for the convenience and betterment of citizens. Here is how our professionals brave conditions to bring people the sewer and water services they need.
Basic Safety Protocols and Precautions
Although some contractors and builders have deemed their businesses nonessential, municipal projects are an integral service. That’s why many jurisdictions are continuing their projects as scheduled. Even as these water and sewer projects continue, companies, governments, and contractors are putting specific safety protocols and precautions on work.
EPS Engineering considers safety a top priority for both our employees and the community. We follow all guidelines by the CDC and have protocols in place to continue serving our community safely.
On March 25, 2020, the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC)—a group of 25 trade associations—released safety guidelines to protect employees and workers as they continued to fix or install sewer and water lines. In addition to masks and other personal protective equipment, the protocols also outline other tips, including:
- Disinfecting and cleaning surfaces.
- Work practices to ensure cleanliness and minimize the spread of disease.
- How to handle potential illnesses on the job site.
- Social distancing
Using these guidelines, municipal job sites can remain secure and free from the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Constant Assessment of Job Sites
To secure the job site, foremen and supervisors should constantly assess job sites. Not only should this include a thorough daily inspection of the site, but also making sure that workers follow the guidelines laid out by the CISC.
Social distancing should also be enforced throughout the workday, and discussions or disciplinary action handed out to workers who disobey these rules.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting Municipal Projects
Despite some companies continuing their projects and efforts during COVID-19, certain aspects of the business continue to suffer. According to one survey of the Associated General Contractors of America, 28% of companies reported that the government or a local agency had prevented them from bidding on or completing work. In addition, 22% discussed the lack of material because of a supplier cancellation, as well as up to 20% of projects cancelled or delayed for at least 30 days.
The long-term effects on municipal projects may not be recognized until after these stay-at-home directives are lifted. But our technicians, engineers, and plumbers continue to follow strict safety guidelines to ensure that our local community has the services they need.
Although “essential” is a loose definition, our workers and company repairs and builds sewer and water infrastructure and we continue to improve the lives of others during this time of uncertainty.
Our essential services are what continue to make this time less difficult, while also ensuring the integrity of infrastructure for the foreseeable future.
From our entire team at EPS Inc. We are here for our Bay Area community and remind everyone to keep hope alive as we navigate through this pandemic.
