As we have all witnessed, the COVID-19 situation remains incredibly fluid and presents unique challenges to the construction industry, which is an essential business in the Carolinas. On April 21, 2020, OSHA issued an alert containing COVID-19 safety guidance specifically directed to the construction industry. Following the initial publication, OSHA has subsequently issued further supplemental and more comprehensive guidance for the construction industry on their website.

It is imperative that construction professionals review the OSHA guidance and ensure they are taking all necessary steps to comply. This is not only important for protecting the health and safety of construction workers and the general public, but also for avoiding a possible OSHA violation for failure to adhere to its COVID-19 safety guidance. As many in the industry know, OSHA’s General Duty clause is very broadly enforced. Construction professionals should do their best to follow the OSHA guidance by using the resources they have available.