South Carolina is one of the few states that as of April 6th, has not issued any stay at home order. Both Columbia and Charleston have issued stay at home orders, but specifically allow construction to continue as Essential Services. Local orders should be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but per guidance from the Attorney General may be unenforceable.
Despite the lack of a state-wide order, several South Carolina state government agencies have created a joint workplace safety plan related to the COVID-19 outbreak and construction on government projects. This includes the basic wellness guidelines from the CDC, including sending any potentially ill employees home and providing wash stations or hand sanitizer at all project sites.
The Department of Transportation implemented the following specific health and safety requirements:
- Increase communication measures between all parties regarding schedule, daily
- activities, etc. to reduce/minimize worker exposure. Minimize on‐site personnel such as
- subcontractors, work crews, QC personnel, and inspection staff to those required for
- that day’s activities. If work is postponed or cancelled, immediately notify appropriate
- parties.
- Practice “social distancing” whenever feasible. All personnel have the responsibility to
- remind each other to stay 6 feet or more apart.
- No communal coolers or drink stations are allowed.
- Do not congregate at lunch or breaks. Bringing your lunch is encouraged.
- First line of communication should be by phone, rather than in‐person.
- Use of video conferencing/conference calls will be the preferable method for
- conducting meeting. If an in‐person meeting is absolutely required and cannot be
- rescheduled or attended remotely, the meeting is limited to a maximum of 10 people
- while maintaining social distancing of 6 feet or more.
- Do not shake hands.
- Do not share iPads, tablets, pens, or clipboards for signing or any other purpose. Take
- pictures as proof of attendance at meetings.
- Sharing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is strictly prohibited.
Vehicles, Equipment, and Tools
- Limit the number of people riding in a vehicle together.
- Wipe down and disinfect vehicles after each trip.
- As much as possible, do not share tools or equipment. If a tool or piece of
- equipment must be shared, the parts of it that are touched should be sanitized
- between uses.
