There is so much news everyday that it can be difficult to keep. up with what is real and what is rumor. At BIA, we are watching the Presidential press conferences, the Mayor's press conference, and the Governor's press conference.
We are doing that in an effort to keep you informed with the truth - so you don't have to sift through lots of information that does not relate to your business..
We are working for you - our BIA members - to make sure have the best information as quickly as we can provide it.
In this crazy time, we feel that is the best member service can provide to you.
If you have questions or need additional information please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at
juva@bialouisville.com or on my mobile at 502 458 0032. I am here to help as is the entire BIA staff..
As you know, on March 17, 2020 Governor Beshear defined construction and home repair as an essential business in his Executive Order. The order also stated that these essential businesses must post signage indicating that these essential business can and will comply with the CDC's guidelines.
We've included a link to the required signage here. Just click on the sign above and print out as many copies as you need.
You must also establish protocols for your employees, their subs, and anyone else on the job site. These protocols include regular cleaning and sanitizing of the site, access to soap and water for hand washing, maintaining a safe social distance on the job site, and staying home when you are sick.
Yesterday, the Governor ordered that all non-essential retail establishments should close by tonight at 8:00 pm. If you fall into this category, please note that the order allows you to continue taking phone orders and providing curbside services.
Additionally, your state association has been in contact with the Governor’s Office to request that construction services be considered essential services should the Governor impose a “shelter-in-place” declaration.
While no such declaration has been imposed in Kentucky, BIA is monitoring the actions in other states across the country and offering guidance and assistance to Governor Beshear’s Office on a regular basis. We have supplemented our information already sent to the Governor with additional information noting that several states which have imposed such declarations have exempted residential construction activities. If such a declaration is made, we will notify the membership immediately.
For employees, tradespeople, and vendors you will need to take extra precautions on the job-sites to ensure that we are not spreading the virus. Scale back the number of workers that are on the job at one time, especially if they are confined to the interior of the house. Make sure everyone is washing up as often as possible. Clean surfaces after each trade has worked in a room.
For our building officials and inspectors, please keep in mind that they are willing to continue performing inspections as long as they feel safe doing so. Think about what measures you can take to ensure the safety of everyone while they are on your job-site, including:
• Clean door handles and surfaces often.
• Prop doors open when possible to keep people from touching them. Clean door handles regularly.
• Provide wipes, soap and water for cleaning.
• During some inspections you may need to clear the job-site of workers for a short period of time while an inspector and the superintendent are performing the inspection.
• Use personal protective gear if people are working in close proximity to one another. Stay 6 feet apart.
• In cases where an inspector typically tests outlets, lights, valves, gauges, etc. You do it for them while they watch. Minimize their contact with the components in your home.
• In cases where you do have a deficiency that needs corrected, the inspector may allow you to take the corrective measures and send them a picture of the corrected item. This will limit their exposure to the job-site.
• Take care of the little things; they are usually the most important.
Stay safe and healthy,
Juva
502 458 0032 - cell
