When is it possible to suspend work and close the sites to protect workers from the Coronavirus pandemic, without incurring in Β penalties and sanctions?
Vito Barozzi, manager of Cobar Spa, invites all technical experts and employess to review and apply the guidelines for construction sites prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT).
The guidelines list 5 typical situations that justify the suspension of work and protect contractors from penalties and grievances.
1. Since work is carried out on the site at a social distance of less than one meter, the Contractor may suspend the work if no other organizational solution is possible and if sufficient personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, coveralls, ear protection, etc.) in compliance with scientific and healthcare regulations is not made available. Lack of protective equipment must be proven by documenting the order and the failure to deliver said equipment on time.
2. Suspension is also justified if access to common areas, such as cafeterias, cannot be limited, to ensure social distance of at least one meter and proper ventilation of the premises, and if, at the same time, it is not possible to consume packed meals onsite or in commercial establishments in the immediate vicinity of the construction site.
3. It is also necessary to suspend work if, after determining that a worker has tested positive for Covid-19, and having quarantined all workers who have come into contact with them, it is not possible to reorganize the site, even by changing the schedule.
4. Work may be suspended without repercussions even if the site provides for workers with overnight stay, but the dormitory does not comply with safety regulations and other organizational solutions are not viable.
5. Authorized suspension also in case of unavailability materials, equipment and workers that are vital to the specific activities of the worksite.
The presence of these conditions must be attested by the operations safety coordinator who has drafter the annexes of the Safety and Coordination Plan.