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. With the situation evolving on a daily and sometimes hourly basis, it can be difficult to keep track of relevant tools and information. Below are key resources for the precast concrete industry to keep you up-to-date and prepared.

News About Construction and COVID-19

We are continually posting the latest news relating to the construction industry.

Top News

• Confused by OSHA’s COVID-19 reporting rules?
  • Supervisors Safety Bulletin
• Money is available for new construction projects, but few are breaking ground
  • Construction Dive
• Report: AEC proposal activity at lowest level in a decade
  • Construction Dive

NPCA Webinars

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

NPCA Member Survey on Impact of COVID-19

The results of survey No. 4 of COVID-19 impact surveys conducted by Industry Insights and offered to NPCA members have been compiled. The results of the first three surveys are available online.

Current Resources

• U.S. government’s official page regarding COVID-19.

• White House’s Opening Up America Again page.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce return to work planning guidance.

• National Law Review’s return to work planning guidance.

• Nucleus Analytics’ COVID-19 Data Analytics Dashboard.

• Cement Association of Canada’s infographic on best practices for cement and concrete plants.

• American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) resources for transportation and construction businesses.

• OSHA Resources

  • OSHA COVID-19 Overview.

  • OSHA Guidance for the Construction Industry.

  • FAQ on Face Coverings, Surgical Masks and Respirators in the Workplace.

  • COVID-19-Related OSHA Standards.

  • Updated interim guidance with respect to the recording of cases of COVID-19.

• 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.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources

  • COVID-19 official page.

  • Guidance for manufacturers.

  • Updated guidance on the handling of critical infrastructure workers.

  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) resources

  • Policy Action Plan.

  • COVID-19 Webinars.

Recommendations and Best Practices

This information is for reference only, is not intended for legal or official guidance. Please note that NPCA routinely will post this information in the coming days and weeks, so be sure to check back often.

• 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 Actions

Many states have deemed construction as an essential business. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has a table with what actions states have taken and whether construction is listed as an essential industry.

• View ENR’s List of States Shelter-in-Place and Construction Status.
• View Architect Magazine’s Graphic.
• Read Stateside’s Report on State and Local Actions.
• Read MultiState’s Report on State and Local Steps and Closures.

Additional Resources

• NPCA remains committed to helping our members and the industry. As such, we joined several other groups in urging federal officials to issue guidance on defining “essential infrastructure” and “essential businesses and services” to include our industry. You can view the letter here.
• With many states shutting down portions of the economy, we have drafted a sample letter you can send to your state officials to urge them to keep construction open as an essential industry.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidance on essential critical infrastructure workforce.
• 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.