It has been several months since I have been in contact to update you about COVID-19 and its effect on the construction industry. I want to thank you for all that you have done to keep your employees and workplaces safe, and to keep the construction industry open in Oregon. Your positive response has been recognized by Oregon’s government officials and has been critical in keeping our industry building.
This afternoon, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced new responses to a reported increase in presumptive COVID-19 cases in Oregon. We have several documents with information in these areas, which can also be found here:
- Updated job site safety and health guidance you will need to keep your job sites open.
- Updated guidance that was released today by Oregon OSHA about what to do in the event of an outbreak so you can respond in a safe and timely manner.
- Information to help you understand and follow Oregon OSHA’s recently implemented COVID-19 temporary rule.
- Also, the governor has ordered that any employees who can work from home must work from home to the greatest extent possible. This applies specifically to office employees in all industries.
We know that when you are trying to move quickly to respond to an issue, you do not have time to dig around for the information you need. Attached to this email are some resources that you might need, for easy reference. Our website is also a good place to find information; we encourage you to visit the chapter’s COVID Safety & Health page.
Also, please remember that you have a team of highly trained safety professionals available to help you. Our safety management consultants will help guide you through the process to keep your jobsites safe and to deal with any COVID-19 related issues that may arise. I have asked them to reach out to you, so look for that contact and utilize these resources. If you are not a participant in our SAIF workers’ compensation program, contact Lisa Wisler, 503-685-8306. I also want to remind you that, as members, you have the full support of HR Answers. Their team can provide you with immediate and practical support to implement these guidelines.
We will also have some members-only materials that will not be posted to the public on our website; contact your safety management consultant or contact Lisa Wisler, 503-685-8306. Keep an eye out for the chapter Fast Facts emails and on our website for those when they become available in the next week or so.
Thank you again for all your outstanding work in keeping our industry safe and working. Your response has been critical in meeting these goals. We want to do everything we can to continue that. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly if we can help you.