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HomeMy WebLinkAbout042720_ra02Regular Agenda JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of Commissioners FROM: Linda Paralez, Acting DCD Director DATE: April 24, 2020 RE: Briefing: Jefferson County and Implementation of Phase 1 Construction Restart Under Governor Inslee's Proclamation 20-25 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Department of Community Development's (DOD's) Acting Director, Linda Paralez, will brief the Board of County Commissioners on Jefferson County and Implementation of Phase 1 Construction Restart Under Governor Inslee's Proclamation 20-25. ANALYSIS: On Friday, April 24, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee issued an addendum to Proclamation 20- 25, providing criteria for a limited Phase 1 construction restart throughout Washington State. A copy of the Governor's memorandum and two documents referenced in the memorandum are attached: "Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements," and "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention: General Requirements and Prevention Ideas for Workplaces" by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Linda Paralez, Acting Director of DCD will brief the Commissioners on what we currently know about how the Phase 1 Construction Restart may be implemented in unincorporated Jefferson County. FISCAL IMPACT: No impact from the briefing itself. Resumption of construction activity under the Governor's proclamation will begin to create more development application and inspection activity within DCD and Environmental Public Health, and associated revenues. More significantly, this will begin to restore jobs and housing development within the community. RECOMMENDATION: Hear the briefing and ask clarifying questions. ATTACHMENTS: Governor Inslee's April 24, 2020 memorandum Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention: General Requirements and Prevention Ideas for Workplaces Date JAY INSLEE Governor IN STATE OF WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR RO. Box 40002 *Olympia, Washington 98504-0002-(360) 902-4111 • www.governor.wa.gov TO: Interested Stakeholders FROM: Governor Jay Inslee DATE: April 24, 2020 SUBJECT: Implementation of Phase 1 Construction Restart — Proclamation 20-25 As an addendum to Proclamation 20-25, this memorandum serves as the criteria for a limited Phase 1 Construction Restart. After working with representatives from the Construction Roundtable, we have developed the comprehensive Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements. These requirements apply to all construction activities in Washington as long as Gubernatorial Proclamation 20-25, or any extension thereof, is in effect or if adopted as rules by a federal, state or local regulatory agency. This memorandum rescinds previous guidance related to construction from the essential business list and allows for all activities meeting a low-risk threshold of six foot distancing to operate. In limited circumstances where six foot distancing requirements cannot be maintained on construction projects previously authorized under Proclamation 20-25, a hazard assessment and control plan must be implemented identifying appropriate PPE use in accordance with Department of Labor & Industries requirements (https://www.Ini.wa.gov/forms-publications/F414-164-000.pdf). No newly authorized projects are permitted to break social distancing standards during phase 1. No jobsite may operate until the contractor can meet and maintain all requirements, including providing materials, schedules and equipment required to comply. Currently operating projects must be in compliance by no later than Friday, May 1. All items minus numbers 28 and 30 are subject to enforcement action under L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Workplace safety and health complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233) or via e-mail to ada-235 e,lni.wa.gov. General questions about how to comply with construction safety practices can be submitted to the state's Business Response Center at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2562fl caf5814c46a6bfl63762263aa5. All other violations related to Proclamation 20-25 can be submitted at https://bit.ly/covid- compliance. Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements Phase 1: Low-risk construction work resumes. Any existing construction projects complying with the points below may resume only those work activities that do not require workers to be closer than six feet together. If a work activity requires workers to be closer than six feet, it is not considered low- risk and is not authorized. Adherence to the physical distancing requirement and the health and safety points below will be strictly enforced. Prior to recommencing work all contractors are required to develop and post at each job site a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control, mitigation, and recovery plan. The plan must include policies regarding the following control measures: PPE utilization; on-site social distancing; hygiene; sanitation; symptom monitoring; incident reporting; site decontamination procedures; COVID-19 safety training; exposure response procedures; and a post -exposure incident project wide recovery plan. A copy of the plan must be available on each job site during any construction activities and available for inspection by state and local authorities. Failure to meet posting requirements will result in sanctions, including the job being shut down. All Contractors are required to post at each job site written notice to employees, subcontractors and government officials the Phase 1 work that will be performed at that job site and signed commitment to adhere to the requirements listed in this document. All contractors have a general obligation to keep a safe and healthy worksite in accordance with state and federal law. Failure to follow these requirements will be considered a violation of these duties and be penalized accordingly. Under RCW 49.17.060, "each employer shall furnish to each of their employees a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury or death to his or her employees and shall comply with the rules, regulations, and orders promulgated under this chapter." The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries' Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is responsible for workplace safety and health, including inspections and enforcement, consultation, technical assistance, training, education and grants. All contractors are also required to comply with the following COVID-19 worksite -specific safety practices, as outlined in Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Proclamation 20-25, and in accordance with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries General Coronavirus Prevention Under Stay Home -Stay Healthy Order (DOSH Directive 1.70: https•//www.Ini.wa.eov/safety-health/safety-rules/`enforcement- policies/DD170.pdf) and the Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations at https://www.doh.wa.eov/Coronavirus/workplace: Gov. lay Inslee's Construction Working Group Recommendations 4/23/2020 COVID-19 Site Supervisor 1. A site-specific COVID-19 Supervisor shall be designated by the contractor at every job site to monitor the health of employees and enforce the COVID-19 job site safety plan. A designated COVID-19 Supervisor must be present at all times during construction activities, except on single- family residential job sites with 6 or fewer people on the site. COVID-19 Safety Training 2. A Safety Stand-Down/toolbox talk/tailgate training must be conducted on all job sites on the first day of returning to work, and weekly thereafter, to explain the protective measures in place for all workers. Social distancing must be maintained at all gatherings. 3. Attendance will be communicated verbally and the trainer will sign in each attendee. 4. COVID-19 safety requirements shall be visibly posted on each jobsite. Social Distancing 5. Social distancing of at least 6 feet of separation must be maintained by every person on the worksite at all times. 6. Gatherings of any size must be precluded by taking breaks and lunch in shifts. Any time two or more persons must meet, ensure minimum 6 feet of separation. 7. Identify "choke points" and "high-risk areas" on job sites where workers typically congregate and control them so social distancing is always maintained. 8. Minimize interactions when picking up or delivering equipment or materials, ensure minimum 6 - foot separation. 9. To the extent practical allow only one trade/subcontractor at a time on a jobsite and maintain 6 -foot separation social distancing for each member of that trade. If more than one trade/subcontractor must be on the job to complete the job then at a minimum all trades and subcontractors must maintain social distancing policies in accordance with this guidance. Personal Protective Equipment (.PPE) — Employer Provided 10. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, face shields and face masks as appropriate, or required, for the activity being performed. 11. Masks, in accordance with Washington Department of Health guidelines, or as required by Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) safety rules, must be worn at all times by every employee on the worksite. 12. Eye protection must be worn at all times by every employee while on worksite. 13. Gloves must be worn at all times by every employee while on worksite. The type of glove worn should be appropriate to the task. If gloves are not typically required for the task, then any type of glove is acceptable, including latex gloves. 14. If appropriate PPE cannot be provided, the worksite must be shut down. Gov. Jay Inslee's Construction Working Group Recommendations 4/23/2020 Sanitation and Cleanliness 15. Soap and running water shall be abundantly provided on all job sites for frequent handwashing. Workers should be encouraged to leave their workstations to wash their hands regularly, before and after going to the bathroom, before and after eating and after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose. 16. When running water is not available, portable washing stations, with soap, are required, per WAC 296-155-140 2(a) — (f). Alcohol -based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol can also be used, but are not a replacement for the water requirement. 17. Post, in areas visible to all workers, required hygienic practices, including not to touch face with unwashed hands or with gloves; washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, machines, shared tools, elevator control buttons, and doorknobs; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing as well as other hygienic recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 18. Make disinfectants available to workers throughout the worksite and ensure cleaning supplies are frequently replenished. 19. Frequently clean and disinfect high -touch surfaces on job sites and in offices, such as shared tools, machines, vehicles and other equipment, handrails, doorknobs, and portable toilets. If these areas cannot be cleaned and disinfected frequently, the jobsite shall be shut down until such measures can be achieved and maintained. 20. When the worksite is an occupied home, workers should sanitize work areas upon arrival, throughout the workday and immediately before they leave, and occupants should keep a personal distance of at least 10 feet. 21. If an employee reports feeling sick and goes home, the area where that person worked should be immediately disinfected. Employee Health/Symptoms 22. Create policies which encourage workers to stay home or leave the worksite when feeling sick or when they have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case. If they develop symptoms of acute respiratory illness, they must seek medical attention and inform their employer. 23. Have employees inform their supervisors if they have a sick family member at home with COVID-19. If an employee has a family member sick with COVID-19, that employee must follow the isolation/quarantine requirements as established by the State Department of Health. 24. Screen all workers at the beginning of their shift by taking their temperature and asking them if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, or new loss of taste or smell. Thermometers used shall be 'no touch' or 'no contact' to the greatest extent possible. If a 'no touch' or 'no contact' thermometer is not available, the thermometer must be properly sanitized between each use. Any worker with a temperature of 100.47 or higher is considered to have a fever and must be sent home. Gov. Jay Inslee's Construction Working Group Recommendations 4/23/2020 25. Instruct workers to report to their supervisor if they develop symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, or new loss of taste or smell). If symptoms develop during a shift, the worker should be immediately sent home. If symptoms develop while the worker is not working, the worker should not return to work until they have been evaluated by a healthcare provider. 26. Failure of employees to comply will result in employees being sent home during the emergency actions. 27. Employees who do not believe it is safe to work shall be allowed to remove themselves from the worksite and employers must follow the expanded family and medical leave requirements included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act or allow the worker to use unemployment benefits, paid time off, or any other available form of paid leave available to the worker at the workers discretion. 28. Any worker coming to work on a construction site in Washington from any state that is not contiguous to Washington must self -quarantine for 14 days to become eligible to work on a job site in Washington. 29. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The employer should instruct fellow employees about how to proceed based on the CDC Public Health Recommendations for Community -Related Exposure. Job Site Visitors 30. A daily attendance log of all workers and visitors must be kept and retained for at least four weeks. The log must include the name, phone number, and email address of all workers and visitors. No jobsite may operate until the contractor can meet and maintain all requirements, including providing materials, schedules and equipment required to comply. These Phase 1 COVID-19 job site safety practices are required as long as the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Gubernatorial Proclamation 20-25 is in effect or if adopted as rules by a federal, state or local regulatory agency. All items minus numbers 28 and 30 are subject to enforcement action under L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Workplace safety and health complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233) or via e- mail to adae235@lni.wa.eov. General questions about how to comply with construction safety practices can be submitted to the state's Business Response Center at https•//app smartsheet com/b/form/2562flcaf5814c46a6bfl63762263aa5. All other violations related to Proclamation 20-25 can be submitted via at: https://bit.ly/covid-compliance. Gov. Jay Inslee's Construction Working Group Recommendations 4/23/2020 Coronavirus Requirementsand The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace and to implement the Governor's proclamation to ensure coronavirus prevention. Employers must ensure social distancing for employees and customers, frequent and adequate employee handwashing; and that sick employees stay home. Employers must also provide basic workplace hazard education about coronavirus and how to prevent transmission in the language best understood by the employee. www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee- announces-stay-home-stay-healthy%C2%AOorder Workplace Discrimination It is against the law for any employer to take any adverse action such as firing, demotion, or otherwise retaliate against a worker they suspect of exercising safety and health rights such as raising safety and health concerns to their employer, participating in union activities concerning safety and health matters, filing a safety and health complaint or participating in a DOSH investigation. Workers have 30 days to file a complaint with L&I DOSH and/or with Federal OSHA. www.Lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/workplace- compl aints/d is Crim ination-in-the-workplace General Requirements Employers must ensure social distancing practices for employees and control customer flow; frequent and adequate employee handwashing, facilities and surface sanitation; and ensure sick employees stay Prevention. home or go home if they feel ill. Employers must also provide basic workplace hazard education about coronavirus and how to prevent transmission in the language best understood by the employee. Fact sheets for specific industries such as grocery, agriculture, and construction are available at www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/ topics/coronavirus Mandatory Social Distancing Employers must ensure all employees keep at least six feet away from coworkers and the public, when feasible. Other prevention measures are required such as use of barriers to block sneezes and coughs, and ventilation improvements when social distancing isn't feasible. Ideas for indoor work areas: ■ Move workstations farther apart. ■ Reduce the number of workstations in use at a given time. ■ Move certain tasks or meetings to times and/or locations with fewer people present. ■ Make provisions to prevent close contact between workers and others (e.g., coworkers and the public) when transferring items, tools, or materials. For example, require one -at -a -time access at designated drop-off/pick-up points. ■ Control the number of people entering the building or office. ■ Stagger work schedules so workers don't crowd when they arrive and leave work. '� ❑' Division of Occupational Safety and Health Washington State Department of 0 www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health1-800-423-7233 Labor &Industries ■ Use dividers or floors markings to distinguish appropriate spacing for people waiting in lines or in front of service counters. ■ Designate one or more employee(s) as a "physical distance monitor" — similar to a safety monitor to ensure social distancing practices are consistently followed. Ideas for break areas and meeting rooms: ■ Stagger break and lunch schedules to minimize occupancy; or limit and monitor occupancy based on the size and layout of the room. ■ Hold gatherings in larger spaces or outdoors — where workers can readily spread out. ■ Set up rooms to facilitate appropriate distancing; for example, provide a limited number of chairs and spread them out. ■ Utilize virtual online meetings and text messaging instead of in-person meetings. Ideas for mobile or outdoor work areas: ■ Have workers take separate vehicles when the passenger space in vans and trucks doesn't allow for social distancing. ■ Reduce in-person visits with clients and customers, rely on email, text, and online meetings. ■ Pre -arrange with clients and customers to drop off or pick up packages, materials, etc. at a location that ensures one -at -a -time access. ■ Contact clients to inquire about COVID-19 symptoms before making a house visit; this helps ensure the worker can make necessary provisions for PPE and other precautions. ■ Set up outdoor work and break areas to accommodate social distancing; for example, ensure shaded break areas are large enough to allow a minimum distance of six feet between workers. Frequent and Adequate Handwashing is Required ■ Provide enough fixed or portable hand washing facilities or stations at workplaces and jobsites so employees can wash their hands frequently with soap and hot and cold (or tepid) running water. ■ Ensure an adequate supply of soap, water, and towels, set up a schedule for frequent restocking of supplies and emptying of trash. ■ Require workers to wash hands frequently and effectively when they arrive at work, leave their workstations for breaks, use the bathroom; before and after they eat or drink or use tobacco products; and after touching any surfaces suspected of being contaminated. ■ Provide supplemental hand sanitizer stations, wipes or towelettes, or clean water and soap in portable containers to facilitate more frequent handwashing after handling objects touched by others. ■ Gloves may be provided, but also must be washed regularly to prevent the spread of the virus. This may help for workers whose hands are bothered by frequent washing and sanitizing. Routine and Frequent Cleaning is Required Employers must: ■ Establish a housekeeping schedule to address regular, frequent, and periodic cleaning. ■ Provide appropriate and adequate cleaning supplies for scheduled and, when necessary, spot cleaning and cleaning after a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case. ■ Ensure floors, counters, and other surfaces are regularly cleaned with water and soap, or other cleaning liquids to prevent build-up of dirt and residues that can harbor contamination. ■ Make sure high -touch surfaces are properly disinfected on a frequent or periodic basis using a bleach solution or other EPA -approved disinfectant (see link to CDC cleaning guidelines below). ■ Ensure employees follow effective cleaning procedures and use protective gloves and eye/face protection (e.g. face shields and/or goggles) when mixing, spraying, and wiping with liquid cleaning products, like diluted bleach. ■ Make sure shared work vehicles are regularly cleaned and disinfected. ■ Keep Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all disinfectants on site. Don't mix chemicals — many are incompatible; and be sure to dilute and use chemicals per manufacturer specifications. Ideas for all workplaces: ■ Follow cleaning guidelines set by the CDC. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html ■ Be sure to wash and rinse visible dirt/debris from equipment, tools, and other items before disinfecting. ■ Cover fabric and rough surfaces with smooth materials so they are easier to clean. Procedures to Address Sick Employees Employers must establish procedures to: ■ Require sick workers to stay home or go home if they feel or appear sick. ■ Identify and isolate workers who exhibit signs or symptoms of COVID-19 illness. ■ Follow cleaning guidelines set by the CDC (see link above) to deep clean after reports of an employee with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 illness. ■ Keep workers away from areas being deep cleaned. Ideas for all workplaces: ■ Encourage workers to report concerns and use paid sick leave. ■ Conduct daily COVID-19 symptoms checks of employees, contractors, suppliers, customers and visitors entering the worksite; for example, use a brief questionnaire. Employee Education is Required Basic workplace hazard education about coronavirus must be provided to employees in a language they best understand. Ensure employees know: ■ The signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with COVID-19 illness. ■ How to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at work; including steps being taken in the workplace to establish social distancing, frequent handwashing, and other precautions. ■ The importance of hand washing and how to effectively wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. ■ Proper respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes and not touching eyes, noses, or mouths with unwashed hands or gloves. Ideas for all workplaces: ■ Regularly communicate important safety messages and updates. ■ Post readable signs prominently throughout the worksite with messages about social distancing, frequent hand washing, required PPE, respiratory etiquette, and illness reporting. ■ Post relevant information from DOSH, OSHA, local and state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other similar COVID49 authorities. ■ Provide ways for workers to express any concerns and ideas to improve safety. Personal Protective Equipment Personal protective equipment may be helpful when social distancing and other protective measures are infeasible or not effective. ■ Face shields can prevent direct exposure to sneezes or coughs; they also provide protection from cleaning chemicals and disinfectants. ■ Approved respirators such as N95s are not normally recommended, but may be appropriate where workers must remain in very close proximity to others. Employers must establish a Respiratory Protection Program per the Respirators Rule (Chapter 296-842 WAC) to ensure proper use and care when respirators are necessary. ■ Loose -fitting face masks or cloth face covers (e.g., scarves and homemade masks) may be voluntarily worn by workers as a best practice measure to prevent the wearer from transmitting droplets from coughs and sneezes; but they do not prevent inhalation of fine aerosols and are not protective in close proximity. ■ Workers should not touch their mouth, nose, eyes, and nearby surfaces when putting on, using, and removing PPE and masks. Other Protective Measures ■ Update your Accident Prevention Program (APP) to include awareness and prevention measures for diseases and viruses. ■ Businesses are strongly encouraged to coordinate with state and local health officials so timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses. Resources Employers, please call a consultant near you or email DOSHConsultation@Lni.wa.gov for free help. Visit www.Lni.wa.gov/DOSHConsultation to learn more. From WA DOSH: www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health/ safety-topics/topics/coronavirus includes resources from CDC, OSHA, and WA DOH To find the Respirators rule (Chapter 296-842 WAC) and other workplace safety and health rules, visit: www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-rules/ find-safety-rules/#term=&filter=all&page=1 Employers should reference the CDCs, Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers, found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ guidance-business-response.html Control and Prevention webpage from OSHA: www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19; www.osha.gov/Publications/0SHAFS-3747.pdf; www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/controlprevention.html Resources from Washington State Department of Health: www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/ NovelCoronavirusOutbreak202000V ID19/ ResourcesandRecommendations Upon request, foreign language support and formats for persons with disabilities are available. Call 1-800-547-8367. TDD users, call 711. L&I is an equal opportunity employer. PUBLICATION F414-164-000 [04-20201