ABC-SEMI Issue, 3 2020

12 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Integrating a Higher-Tech Approach in Construction Post-COVID-19 As Michigan fires up the construction industry after the mandatory shutdown of all non-essential projects, there is a real fear that there could be a second wave of the virus, which Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan (ABC SEMI) members need to be prepared to work through with the help of technology, policy, and PPE. Contractors should not expect things to go back to the way they were, COVID-19 has dramatically changed the landscape of so many industries, including construction. While so many anticipate a return to normal, some things will not go back to the way they were. For now, construction companies will need to adapt to a “new normal” and find more innovative/high-tech ways of accomplishing tasks that allow them to guard against a possible COVID-19 outbreak in their workforce. The outbreak has also forced more connection between the site and office, as most office workers have been relegated to working from home. Shared data and digital connectivity is becoming the norm as engineers, architects, site supervisors, and other stakeholders need up-to-date information no matter the construction environment. Virtual Project Coordination and Monitoring With some project sites limiting team numbers and further shutdowns possible, contractors need advanced remote work capabilities. Work crews need to be able to coordinate project plans regardless of visiting the site. As construction adapts to a new normal, remote technologies like 3D laser scanning will become much more commonplace. Using a non-harmful laser, scanners capture exact site measurements down to the millimeter. While scanning the area, the tool also captures high-resolution photos in 360o views. These two pieces of data are combined to create an exact 3D virtual tour that can be shared over the internet. This tour allows viewers to walk around the site, take measurements, assess if new equipment will fit, and coordinate skilled trade plans from wherever they are. As construction was deemed essential and allowed to continue in nearly all 50 states, contractors were required to follow CDC guidelines to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19. In response, tech firms and safety app developers introduced or expanded a variety of applications that some construction leaders say will become the norm. Plus, others allow for virtual walk-throughs so stakeholders in their homes can have up-to- date imagery of work in progress. Remote Meetings After the stay-at-home orders went into place, video-chat software use skyrocketed. Microsoft Teams hit a new record of 2.7 billion total meeting minutes in a single day, Zoom added more users than in all of 2019, and Facebook launched a new video conferencing tool. ABC SEMI began to use these services for the first time to provide valuable COVID-19 information on a regular basis to our members. While no one enjoys seeing their face on a screen, having remote meeting capabilities will need to be a part of every construction team’s post-COVID-19 standard. Past the logistical practicalities, staying connected and having face-to-face interaction with team members is important to employee job satisfaction and productivity. Extended mandatory work from home and isolation presents a new set of business risks. Team members can start to feel disconnected, leading to demotivation and a sense of discontentment. Colleagues need a way to simulate the camaraderie and team building that happens naturally in an office environment. The reality is as more and more sectors of our State reopen, there could be a second wave of the virus. If this is the case, construction teams need to be prepared to adapt once again to the mandatory work from home orders. Video chat helps employees maintain their normal office routine and promotes accountability and cohesion. The “New Normal” Redefined for Onsite Operations and Safety