Risks: Airborne & Touch Exposures - Job Site & Office/Trailer
Fate and Transport of Indoor Microbiological Aerosols (FaTIMA)
Description:
A new online tool from the National Institute of Standards and Technology is intended to help curb airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Developed by air quality experts at NIST, the free tool estimates exposure to potentially infectious aerosols in indoor spaces.
Source: National Institute of Standard and Technology
Date: 03/12/21
Effects of ventilation on the indoor spread of COVID-19
Description:
Although the relative importance of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is controversial, increasing evidence suggests that understanding airflows is important for estimation of the risk of contracting COVID-19. The data available so far indicate that indoor transmission of the virus far outstrips outdoor transmission, possibly due to longer exposure times and the decreased turbulence levels (and therefore dispersion) found indoors. In this paper we discuss the role of building ventilation on the possible pathways of airborne particles and examine the fluid mechanics of the processes involved.
Source: Rajesh K. Bhagat, M. S. Davies Wykes, Stuart B. Dalziel, and P. F. Linden
Date: 03/12/21
Estimated Association of Construction Work With Risks of COVID-19 Infection and Hospitalization in Texas
Description:
This study introduced a decision analytical model of COVID-19 that "found that resuming construction work during shelter-in-place orders was associated with increased hospitalization risks in the construction workforce and increase transmission in the surrounding community. Based on COVID-19 hospitalization data through August 20, 2020, construction workers had a nearly 5-fold increased risk of hospitalization in central Texas compared with other occupational categories. The findings of this study suggest that enacting workplace safety policies and providing paid sick leave could protect essential workers in high-contact industries and prevent further widening of disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality." (October 29, 2020)
Date: 11/02/20
Assessment and mitigation of aerosol airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission in laboratory and office environments
Description:
This study introduces a "framework for estimating the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols in laboratory and office settings, based on an exponential dose-response model and analysis of air flow and purification in typical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems." (September 22, 2020)
Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Date: 03/12/21
A room, a bar and a classroom: how the coronavirus is spread through the air
Description:
This article illustrates how the risk of spreading the disease can be reduced by "applying all available measures to combat infection via aerosols." (October 29, 2020)
Source: El Pais
Date: 10/30/20
CDC Definition of "Close Contact"
Description:
The CDC Definition of Close Contact: "Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated." *Additional detail is provided on the CDC's website. Updated October 21, 2020.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 10/30/20
COVID-19 Exposure Control Planning Tool
Description:
The CDC and OSHA recommend that companies develop a plan to protect their employees and prevent the spread of COVID-19. This free planning tool is designed to help users develop a plan for their worksite in 4 steps. Now in a soft launch, feedback is welcome - email covid19@cpwr.com.
Source: CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training
Date: 09/11/20
Return to Work Safely (video)
Description:
This short video produced by the Massachusetts State Building Trades Council covers key points for working safely on construction sites including the importance of wearing N95 respirator masks, materials to pack to stay safe during the day, and the need for social distancing, hand washing, and staying home when sick. Watch this video for tips to protect yourself, your co-workers, family & others.
Source: Massachusetts Building Trades Council
Date: 09/11/20
CDC - How Coronavirus Spreads
Description:
How coronavirus spreads from person-to-person.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
OSHA Guidance on Returning to Work
Description:
Advisory recommendations intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 08/28/20
HVAC filtration for controlling infectious airborne disease transmission in indoor environments: Predicting risk reductions and operational costs
Description:
This research finds that recirculating HVAC filtration was predicted to achieve risk reductions at lower costs of operation than equivalent levels of outdoor air ventilation.
Source: Building and Environment
Date: 03/12/21
OSHA: COVID-19 Control and Prevention - Construction Work
Description:
This OSHA guidance supplements its general, interim guidance for all workers with potential occupational exposure to SARS-Co-V-2. It is for construction employers and workers, such as those engaged in carpentry, ironworking, plumbing, electrical, heating/ ventilation/air conditioning/ventilation, masonry and concrete work, utility construction work, and earthmoving activities.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 03/12/21
CDC - What Construction Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
Description:
Guidance for construction workers about how to protect themselves from and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/27/20
Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus
Description:
Poster highlights 10 infection prevention measures every employer should implement to protect workers’ safety and health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Now available in 13 languages.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 08/28/20
COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce
Description:
Tips to help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus while working in the construction industry. Part of a series of industry-specific alerts designed to keep workers safe.
Also available in Spanish at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA4001.pdf.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Date: 08/28/20
CDC - Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Description:
This new guidance provides ways to recognize symptoms of stress, tips to cope and enhance resilience, and where to go for help.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 09/12/20
CDC - COVID-19 Critical Infrastructure Response Plan
Description:
This guidance is on COVID-19 response planning for the critical infrastructure sector.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
CDC - Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes
Description:
This guidance document provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfection practices and provides links to additional resources from other government agencies, including the EPA.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 09/11/20
CDC - Guidance for Businesses & Employers
Description:
This interim guidance is intended to help prevent workplace exposures and prepare workplaces for a COVID-19 outbreak. (Please note this guidance is updated periodically).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
CDC - General Business FAQs
Description:
Questions and answers developed by the CDC that build on their Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers and Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers. The FAQs cover workplace topics such as identifying COVID-19 in the workplace, reducing the spread, cleaning and disinfection, and critical infrastructure.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08/28/20
NABTU and CPWR COVID-19 Standards for U.S. Construction Sites, April 27, 2020
Description:
This document contains minimum standards employers should implement as part of their COVID-19 exposure control plan on all jobsites, and recommendations that should be followed before any onsite worker is found to have COVID-19. Click here to access this document in Spanish.
Source: North America’s Building Trades Unions and CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training
Date: 08/28/20