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Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has brought life to a standstill across the globe, our “normal,” as we have always known it, is changing. Our daily habits and routines of doing errands and gathering socially are drastically different. Six-foot distances and face masks dominate the scenery, and our conversations.
Work life has taken on a new look as well. Employees will have newly established rules and guidelines to follow that didn’t exist before. For the foreseeable future, teleconferencing will most likely replace face-to-face meetings, and wellness screenings at the beginning of the day will become second nature.
Westwind’s new COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan, developed by our Safety Director and acknowledged by all team members, will be a fixture at our Westwind offices and at all of our jobsites moving forward. Its intent is to meet or exceed the temporary guidelines set forth by the CDC, MIOSHA, and federal, state, and local governments that have been put in place to help stop the spread of the virus and to keep workers safe. Due to the variety of work environments within a construction company, rules may vary for team members based on their location and duties.
Following are some of the changes that Westwind team members and subcontractors will notice as we transition back to work:
Wellness Screening – Team members will answer symptom-related questions and document their temperature each day before they can begin work in the office or on a jobsite.
Face Coverings –Team members will wear a face mask or neck gaitor, supplied by Westwind, while in the office or on a jobsite.
Social Distancing – Team members must maintain a 6-foot distance from others at all times while working.
Food Sharing – The sharing of food, such as potlucks or bringing in donuts or pizza, will not be allowed, nor will using shared coffee pots or water coolers.
High-Traffic Items and Areas – Regular disinfecting of common high-traffic areas and items, such as kitchen countertops and appliances, keyboard/mouse, phones, desks, copiers, etc., will occur. On jobsites, this pertains to shared tools and equipment as well.
Meetings –Office meetings will be held via teleconference instead of in-person whenever possible. Jobsite meetings will occur outside and one-on-one when possible.
While all of this may take some getting used to, we’re doing our part to ensure that our team members, subcontractors, clients, and visitors feel safe and stay healthy in our offices and on our jobsites. Our “new normal” may be changing, but you can count on Westwind to keep delivering the same outstanding design/build services on which we’ve built our reputation. Designing perfect work spaces and building relationships now and always.