The impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic have been vast and varying. The construction industry was hit hard as large and small projects alike were halted to maintain the “Stay Home Stay Healthy” order implemented on March 25th by Governor Inslee. Our SZ Design/Build team used this ‘pause’ to optimize our project management processes and communication plan, in addition to supporting each other, as we transitioned to working remotely from home.
Modified Phase 1 for Low-Risk Construction was approved on April 23, 2020 then updated on May 27, 2020. SZ Build eagerly took action attending return-to-work seminars on April 25 & 27, 2020. This phase allowed projects with building permits already issued (pre-pandemic) to re-start, as long as safety measures are met. Leading the charge in organizing our protocols is SZ Build’s newly appointed a Safety Supervisor, Shannon Carver. The team quickly obtained the necessary protective equipment and structured our return to projects with the highest level of precaution, optimized sanitation and safety.
More recently, Phase 2 Construction went into effect on May 12, 2020, then updated along with King County’s release on June 2, 2020, as our nation continues to battle the risk of spreading COVID-19. The commencement of Phase 2 allows us to work closer as a team and perform necessary construction operations within 6’ of one another. The increased safety protocols brings a thorough approach, as our team takes a closer look at our good health before heading to work.
The new coronavirus, or COVID-19, causes a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through close contact with one another. Protecting all construction workers will depend on following basic infection prevention measures such as practicing good personal hygiene and following jobsite safety practices to prevent the spread of the virus. - National Association of Home Builders
SZ Build strives for excellence in safety. We take pride in our ability to quickly adapt to the new COVID-19 protocols. In doing so, we mobilize each project with a Toolbox Talk led by our SZ Build Safety Supervisor. You may notice a team member singing happy birthday to themselves as they scrub with antibacterial soap in accordance to the CDC’s detailed recommendations. We continue to maintain our 6+ feet of distance in all possible scenarios. We have taken precautions to ensure our team is equipped with the appropriate mask for the task. Because of these new policies, what you may notice most is our excitement to be reunited as a strong build team, working towards our client’s vision.