SAUGUS — Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced new guidelines for construction and Department of Public Works projects, and new safety rules for employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
As of April 8, the new executive order mandates workers must demonstrate an absence of COVID-19 symptoms and known exposure, and at the start of each day, workers will be required to report to their supervisors to certify they are in compliance with the new terms.
In addition, job sites must be equipped with hand sanitizers and wash stations, and workers must immediately implement cleaning and decontamination procedures.
Workers must also adhere to strict social distancing guidelines and follow a no-gathering policy.
“If and when social distancing is not possible in a certain situation, workers are to wear proper personal protective equipment supplied by their employer, (including) masks, gloves, and eye protection,” said Crabtree in a statement.
Under the executive order, all projects with 10 or more employees require the contractor to establish a Hazard Analysis and Compliance Plan. Plans must elect a designated COVID-19 Compliance Officer and be approved by the Town’s Public Health Director prior to the start of the project.
Crabtree stated that if these projects do not comply with the executive order, they will be shut down immediately.
“Failure to comply with the policies and procedures in the executive order can result in the loss of any and all pertinent permits,” Crabtree’s statement continued.
He added that current permit holders will be notified of the new order by mail via the Health Department/Inspectional Services Department. Larger ongoing projects will be visited on-site and hand-delivered a copy of the order.
Those with questions can contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117, or visit the Saugus Board of Health page online.
