ABC-SEMI Issue, 3 2020

4 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. COVID-19 COVID-19 Will Continue Into Foreseeable Future Safe Job Sites May Not be Enough to Deter Second Wave The fear of a “second-wave” of COVID-19 is real. ABC SEMI Safety Director Kim Gamet explains that not only are health leaders preparing for a continuation of COVID-19 in Michigan this summer, but a surge of illness in the fall and winter—and even preparing for 2021, too. “It is not a matter of if, it will be a matter of when confirmed COVID-19 cases at local construction sites will begin to become an issue for construction in southeast Michigan,” said Gamet. “Unless a vaccine is ready, more COVID-19 illnesses could show up next spring as well.” General contractors who work locally say they have wisely put new measures in place, such as temperature screenings, more personal protective equipment, and social-distancing guidance, to keep workers and sites safe. Most are taking great strides to adhere to the CDC guidelines to ensure their sites are guarded against a COVID-19 outbreak. But construction sites, especially for big developments, can employ up to hundreds of workers at a given time, with many workers traveling great distances and even sharing rides. Social distancing is often a challenge, especially on tasks that require more than one person. Gamet, a Health and Safety Occupational professional, understands all too well it is not just what happens on a job that impacts the spread of COVID-19, it is what workers are doing before they get there and at home that matters as well. “We have put some serious effort and education to making sure our members use the proper protocols in their company and on job sites to minimize the chance of a COVID-19 outbreak,” said Gamet. “But companies have to stress to their staff and crews that this effort has to not only happen on the clock but off the clock as well. If workers are engaging in “risky” behavior that goes against CDC guidelines at home and when they are on their leisure time, they may bring COVID-19 to work with them.” “The virus is still out there,” Gamet explains. “We did a good job ‘flattening the curve,’ but that was just to ensure our hospitals were not overwhelmed. Obviously, the more we adhere to these social distancing standards and minimize our exposure the greater chance we have of avoiding another shutdown in Michigan. If we do not, I fully expect a similar if not worse scenario for construction companies this fall.” Even with the heat of the summer months upon us, most epidemiologists say it will only slow, not stop the spread of the virus, leaving many predicting it to make a comeback in the fall. Gamet said she cannot stress enough to our participating members the importance of continued vigilance when it comes to guarding against future outbreaks. “There’s a lot of uncertainty about what’s going to happen. We’re not out of this yet,” said Gamet. “A worst-case scenario would be we still have a lot of COVID-19 and this fall also have a very bad flu season,” she said. “If the second wave of illness were to come with COVID and create a ‘surge on top of a surge’ during flu season, it would be a huge stress on the health care system and effectively shutting us down until summer of 2021.”