The days of physical distancing and self-isolation are not yet over. And while complying with COVID-19 guidelines may doable for most workers, it’s a different story for Canada’s roofing professionals.
“The rules on jobsite have changed,” says Martin Tessier, Technical Services Manager, Roofing, with Soprema Canada. “Roofers are still out there working, but now they must take extra steps to protect themselves and their peers against the health risks of the virus.”
Respecting physical distancing guidelines is undoubtedly critical, but it can also pose a logistical challenge on roofing projects where activities are often performed near colleagues.
With that in mind, here are some tips to help stay safe while getting the job done.
- Screen site entries: First and foremost, it’s worth setting up screening procedures to confirm that all roofers entering the site are not exhibiting flu-like symptoms, have not traveled outside of Canada within the previous 14-days, or have not been exposed to others who may be carrying COVID-19.
- Remember your PPEs: It’s common sense, but worth repeating: use gloves, face shield (or mask and protective glasses, and cleaning supplies (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPEs)) wherever possible to prevent the risks of infection, especially when 2 metres physical distancing is not possible.
- Mark your territory: Take steps to define your workspace and maintain a safe distance from nearby workers. This can be done using a measuring tape to visualize the space between you and your coworkers or perhaps using place rolls of roofing products between you and others on the roof.
- Claim your tools: Mark your roofing tools and personal effects so that that they are only used by you and you alone. Similarly, employers have a responsibility to ensure that all workers have the tools they require so that they don’t have to borrow from others. This goes for working tools but also pen and paper! Bring your own pen to sign documents, and favor the sharing of digital documents instead of paper!
- Clean, clean, clean: Ensure time and supplies are allotted for disinfecting tools and the workspace. Hand sanitizing or washing stations should be available on all job sites.
- Tweak the workflow: Examine the project workflow for opportunities to limit multiple contacts on the jobsite. For example, instead of having one person prepare a roll of roofing product for the second, consider modifying the task so that each handles their own roll.
- Modify your schedule: Look at ways to work shift schedules (e.g., mornings for carpenters, evenings for electricians) to reduce on-site staff.
- Always respect the Standardized Protocols for all Canadian Construction sites. This should be provided by the employer, but resources are also available online. (For example, CCA’s COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for all Canadian Construction Sites. Highlights of the protocol include ensuring clear on-site communication and awareness for COVID-19 guidelines (via signage and meetings), limiting or removing high touch-point areas (e.g., shared staff tools and devices), embedding strict and low-contact delivery policies, and conducting periodic safety audits to verify that all steps are being taken to keep staff safe.
Complying to COVID-19 guidelines doesn’t have to mean sacrificing collaboration. To that end, consider holding on-site meetings in small groups and at a distance, while also using virtual communications (e.g., emails, teleconferences, company websites, social media, etc.) to keep team stakeholders informed throughout the project.
“We may not be able to huddle up on-site like the way we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t share information and holding productive meetings,” says Tessier, noting, “Look for ways to use technology to support team communication and considering breaking up regular meetings in smaller, more manageable group sizes.”
Employers and jobsite leaders have an ongoing role to play in keeping roofing professionals safe during this challenging time. That means ensuring roofers and other on-site stakeholders are aware of the risks of COVID-19, trained to take prevention measures, and equipped with the right tools and PPEs to keep them safe. It may require more training and resources than usual, but the results are safer crews, greater resiliency, and more reliable project outcomes.
