“How do we step back (into business) safely?”
Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch’s question runs across countless industries in Wisconsin, many of whom have had to majorly curtail operations or close up shop altogether in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
But Kleefisch, now with Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, says that using the example of those who are successfully navigating this uncharted territory is perhaps the best rule to follow.
“Follow the leaders…those who have adapted their business practices.”
She says she has seen numerous leaders in the construction industry do exactly that on job sites.
“The social distancing is something folks took really to heart in the construction industry,” she explained, citing numerous examples.
“People on a scissor lift working two at a time. That’s something that had to end, essentially,” she said.
“Sanitation, something like that, maybe the cab of a forklift or vehicle, or maybe using a Clorox wipe on a steering wheel. You’re seeing sanitation on tools.”
She discussed how port-a-potties are being changed out much more often than the past, and how hand sanitizer is being re-filled much more often.
But perhaps the most important example involves teaming the health care community with the construction community on site.
“Hire health care professionals to do remote thermometer checks. They get their temperature, and if they even have a slight fever, they’re sent home. They’re not taking any chances,” she said, citing the most important safety question business owners possibly could ask:
“What can I do to protect my employees?”