The Building Industry Association of Washington has compiled a list of frequently asked questions for contractors returning to job sites after Gov. Jay Inslee amended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order to allow some existing construction to resume if they comply with steps to hinder the spread of coronavirus.

 Jackson Maynard, general counsel, provides guidance on returning to work under the governor’s Phase 1 plan.

What is allowed under Phase 1?
Construction that was in existence on March 23, 2020, when the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order was issued. The new order allows work that is needed to fulfill a contract in effect before March 23 or was permitted by a government agency by then. Work that was allowed under the stay-home order may proceed.

What happens to my permits under Phase 1?
Contact your local city/county planning department. The governor’s proclamation neither extends nor approves permits.

Do visitors, such as inspectors, suppliers or property owners, have to have their temperature taken?
No. Only employees are required to have their temperature taken.

 Do I have to have a COVID supervisor if I have less than seven workers?
The rule applies when there are seven or more people on a job site.

Can contractors use a client’s bathroom while on residential project to fulfill the requirement for a hand-washing station?
Yes, but the bathroom must be close to the work being done and accessible at all times to workers.

 I am confused about the requirements for handwashing stations. How many people per job site and/or size of project? Also, what about disposal of wastewater from hand-washing stations?
There must be one hand-washing station per job site. The station must have running water when available, soap and a basin. Water needs to be a tepid temperature (between 70 and 100 degrees). We have been told that grey water can be disposed on site.

 Is there a job safety document specifically for inside staff at the office or showroom?
Office staff for construction businesses are authorized to return to work under Phase 1, however the rules they follow are different. They can be found online at lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/F414-164-000.pdf.

Are businesses allowed to go out there and now do quotes for jobs?
No.

What about work that incidentally must be performed less than six feet apart? For example, lifting beams, installing shower/glass doors, installing counters, installing fireplaces using all appropriate personal protection equipment but not able to remain six feet apart.
If the work cannot be performed maintaining six feet separation, it cannot be done under Phase 1. That work will have to wait until Phase 2 is approved.

 How do installers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning workers and others who are on a job for less than a day handle COVID-19 requirements, such as hand-washing stations and posting documents?
If they are working as a subcontractor, those requirements should be coordinated with the general contractor. However, I would recommend all subs make sure that the job site is complying by the general contractor before doing any work. For standalone work being done for a private customer as the only contractor, the business is responsible for all compliance and requirements.

What if an employee is uncomfortable and wants to wait until pandemic is over to come back to work?
Employees have that option of not returning to work under the new COVID-19 rules. You can find more about the rules at this resource from Employment Security: esd.wa.gov/unemployment/basic-eligibility-requirements.

What do I do if my general contractor is not concerned about, or doesn’t have, a COVID-19 Phase 1 system setup to comply?
Job sites need to comply. If a general contractor isn’t compliant or isn’t cooperating, you have two options: don’t do the work or make sure the job site is complying when your company is on it. Talk to your general contractor.