If you plan to go into the field as a licensed contractor,
this year is more challenging than you probably hoped it would be. Though
construction workers can be at risk for contracting COVID-19, you still have
ways to do your job well and keep yourself safe. Look at why you might be at a
higher risk, as well as the ways you can protect yourself and others from the
effects of the disease.
Know Why You're at Risk
To an extent, every person who works outside the home is at
some level of risk. Most experts
agree that the disease is respiratory and spreads through the air, especially
if an infected person sneezes, coughs, or projects his or her voice. People who
have to work near each other might be more at risk, especially if either is an
asymptomatic carrier.
Because construction work is a necessary function in most states,
contractors have continued to work throughout the pandemic, which gives them
more opportunities to contract the virus. The nature of construction also
brings up the risk of infection since the workers usually have to work near
each other. Therefore, contractors should take extra precautions against
illness.
Protect Each Other
Whether your state requires it or not, you should wear the
appropriate protective equipment to guard against spreading germs. In most
places, this equipment includes a face covering, either of cloth or another
CDC-approved material. You can also wear disposable gloves and face shields to
provide further barriers since the possibility of the virus spreading on
surfaces has yet to be disproven.
If you believe you or someone in your family has symptoms of
COVID-19, your supervisor should allow you to stay home until you receive
negative tests. Check with the contracting company or your union to see how
they can help you if you don't think you'll be financially able to take time off,
but prioritize health over income where you can.
Beyond these measures specific to the coronavirus, practice
basic infection control as you would in a flu season. Wash your hands
frequently and use tissues if you need to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially
after a sneeze or cough.
Take Environmental Precautions
Since many people are unsure how long the virus can live on
surfaces, you're better off being overcautious. Invest in your own tools and
bring them with you to a job, and limit sharing where possible. If you know
that you're at high risk if you contract COVID, notify your supervisor and ask
for work that will keep you away from others who might spread it to you.
Your job may take place in a COVID hotspot. In that case,
request separation between your fellow workers and visitors to the site. When
the work permits, maintain the 6-foot social distancing recommended by the CDC
and sanitize equipment or materials others have touched.
Your supervisor or employer should have a plan in place to
act against the virus, so comply with the guidelines they give you as well as
the ones listed above. If you all work together, you should be able to limit
the spread between workers and accomplish your jobs efficiently.
Armed with these health tips, the only thing you
have to worry about as you prepare to enter the field is passing the exam for
your licensure. That's where Golden State Contractors School comes in. We will
equip you with the knowledge and skills you need on the job, as well as the
legal and business regulations you'll have to follow in your contracting
work.
Contact us today to see
how you can prepare for your licensure exam.
