• Safety of workers in the construction industry continues to be a primary focus during the coronavirus epidemic. Specifically, top priority is ensuring that all workers adhere to "social distancing" and hygiene recommendations. At a conference call of California construction trade association executives on Monday (March 30), several initiatives were highlighted to reinforce this message. AGC of California, for example, is coordinating a safety "stand down" for Wednesday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., where COVID-19-related safety information will be reinforced to all workers. United Contractors, meanwhile, is promoting a "Safety First / Zero Tolerance" campaign to impress upon companies the importance of ensuring workers are following all proper COVID-19 safety protocols. All other organizations are promoting safety-centric themes. Various organizations are coordinating with trade unions and other entities to ensure consistent goals and messaging.
• The asphalt pavement industry, nationally and locally, continues to distribute industry-specific information to member companies to assist them in updating safety plans and communicating essential information to employees and their families. Many resources are stored on the National Asphalt Pavement Association COVID-19 resource page HERE. A highly regarded safety program developed by a consortium of construction trade associations in South Carolina, may be downloaded in PDF format HERE.
• Transportation California, supported by CalAPA, sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 30 reinforcing the construction industry's commitment to health and safety of workers and their families. A copy of the letter is HERE.
• The U.S. Department of Labor on March 28 released new guidance with regard to labor laws and how they may be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis nationally and in the states, as well as the impact of recent federal legislation to assist companies and individuals. More information is HERE.
• CalAPA will host a "webinar" on Wednesday, April 1 of the various regional technical committees in California, which are composed of CalAPA members and agency personnel. In addition to a general COVID-19 update, a regular technical presentation will be featured. The webinar is free, but advanced registration is required. Details are HERE.
• Rogers, Joseph, O'Donnell, a highly regarded San Francisco law firm that specializes in representing the construction industry, has published helpful white papers on key aspects of the COVID-19 situation and made them available on the law firm's website. The articles include concise examinations of labor law HERE and HERE, environmental and safety considerations HERE, and potential benefits to businesses in the newly passed CARES federal legislation HERE.
• CalAPA continues to contact agencies and members to assess the impact of the health emergency statewide on operations and will continue to compile and summarize that information in upcoming "Member Alerts" as conditions warrant. The March 24 "Member Alert" can be found HERE.