The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas has issued a statement reminding members and the industry to be careful to meet occupational health and safety standards even though the construction industry is exempt from COVID-19 “stay at home” requirements as an essential service.
“As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, state and local officials are announcing “Stay-at-Home” and other orders across North and South Carolina. Generally speaking, these orders request residents stay at home unless travel is necessary for essential needs or to conduct essential business functions,” the association said in an email distributed by Chris Bullard, its director of government affairs.
“While it appears that construction and other ABC related industries will remain essential during this time, members with questions should contact their respective state and local officials for specific clarification,” the ABC Carolinas statement said.
“ABC Carolinas will continue to monitor and advise our membership as how these orders impact our industry in South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as Governor Henry McMaster’s and Governor Roy Cooper’s decisions on a state level.
“ABC Carolinas would also like to emphasize that members should respect that most ‘essential’ designations granted by state and local officials regarding our industry require conformance to CDC, OSHA and other applicable guidelines, which we strongly urge all members to closely adhere to. It is these preventative measures, as well as our industry’s demonstrated ability to implement and enforce all safety guidelines, which allow our great industry to continue as an essential service to our community.
“Most importantly, by holding each other responsible for adhering to these standards, we take care of our front-line men and women in the field, their families and all of our industry members collectively.”
The association invited members to contact Bullard at (919) 801-6075 or bullard@abccarolinas.org if they require more information or assistance in understanding and working during the emergency.