A Safety Message from AGC of America CEO, Stephen E. Sandherr

Since the start of the pandemic the construction industry has demonstrated that it can continue to work while protecting workers and local communities from the coronavirus. This has been possible because of the incredible effort all of you have made to adapt your operations, procure personal protective equipment, and establish new working rules to mitigate against the spread of the virus. Thanks to you, our industry has not suffered the kind of widespread workplace outbreaks that have hobbled so many other sectors of the economy.

Unfortunately, the number of confirmed cases has begun to grow at an alarming rate in many parts of the country. Similar increases in case counts have already prompted several European governments to shut down significant parts of their economy in an effort to slow the spread. It is safe to assume that any number of state and local officials will come under significant pressure to impose comparable new lockdown measures here during the next several weeks and months. In other words, our industry once again finds itself a simple stroke of the pen away from being forced to stop work.

Given the current environment, I write today to encourage all of you to redouble your efforts to ensure that every member of your teams, on every job site, is following each and every coronavirus safety measure that you have put in place. As we can see, the coronavirus, and public perceptions of it, leaves no margin for error when it comes to the safety of our workers and our communities. Any lapses in safety protocols by any construction worker at any construction site will be held against the entire industry and could be used to rationalize new restrictions on construction activity.

Please take this opportunity to review all coronavirus safety procedures with your entire teams. Schedule new safety stand downs and other training sessions to review those procedures and set expectations for complete compliance. And constantly reinforce, and enforce, your coronavirus safety procedures. And of course, please feel free to use the many coronavirus safety resources AGC of America has made available as you feel appropriate. I also encourage you to contact our safety team of Kevin Cannon (kevin.cannon@agc.org) and Nazia Shah (Nazia.shah@agc.org) with any questions, suggestions or requests.

AGC of America will continue to make the case that the construction industry is essential and to keep America building. Thanks to your help and support, we are confident that we will all be able to continue the vital work of rebuilding our economy.

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Sandherr