Coronavirus illustration created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Businesses across the country and globe are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are key resources for the precast concrete industry to keep you up-to-date and prepared.

Sources For COVID-19 News and Information

OSHA

• OSHA COVID-19 home page
• Guidance for the Construction Industry
• COVID-19 Record Keeping and Reporting
• FAQ on Face Coverings, Surgical Masks and Respirators in the Workplace.
• COVID-19-Related OSHA Standards.

CDC

• CDC COVID-19 home page

U.S. Department of Labor

• U.S. Department of Labor FAQ on Face Coverings and Masks

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 home page

PPP Resources

• Paycheck Protection Program.
• How to Obtain an SBA Coronavirus PPP Loan and Have It Forgiven.
• U.S. Department of the Treasury PPP tools and documents.
• Frequently Asked Questions.

NPCA Webinars

NPCA has created free webinars for members relating to key business functions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recommendations and Best Practices

This information is for reference only and is not intended for legal or official guidance.

• Best Practices for Your Precast Plant

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    • Do not share PPE.
    • Ensure used PPE is disposed of properly.
    • Sanitize reusable PPE per manufacturer’s recommendation prior to each use.
    • Utilize disposable gloves where appropriate; instruct workers to wash hands after removing gloves.
  • Tools, Supplies, Equipment
    • Do not share hand tools (shovels, floats, loots, hand saws, etc.).
    • Disinfect reusable supplies before and after use.
    • Operators use the same piece of equipment all day.
    • Clean surfaces of construction equipment (pavers, end loader, rollers, cranes, etc.) and service/fleet vehicles including steering wheel, gear shift, instrument panels, etc. at beginning and end of shifts. Use aerosol sanitizers inside closed cabs.
  • Documentation/Weight Tickets
    • If allowed, consider submitting required documentation (inspections, certifications, invoices, prevailing wage reports, etc.) electronically.
    • For documents requiring paper copies or wet signatures, consider drop boxes or other non-contact means to transfer paperwork between Contractor and Owner.
    • Use e-ticketing for truck weight tickets.

If you have or come across any best practices you’d like to share, please contact Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs Kirk Stelsel.

State-by-State Breakdown

• Read Stateside’s Report on State and Local Actions.
• Read MultiState’s Report on State and Local Steps and Closures.

Additional Resources

• Department of Labor Resources
  • Guidance explaining paid sick leave and expanded family medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
  • Posters for your workplace.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce summary of the The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
• OSHA
  • Guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19.
    • Spanish version.
  • Additional Guidance on Enforcement for Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment.
• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) issued guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and how it relates to employees taking leave.
• Department of Health & Human Services Centers (HHS) Business Pandemic Checklist.