As specific construction activities were exempted from the second phase of the lockdown till May 3, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on Saturday issued a list of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be maintained to ensure social distancing and hygiene at the work places to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The SOP stated that social distancing and wearing of masks are to be strictly enforced at the work sites among the labourers, technicians, supervisors and others involved in the construction process.
Special transportation facility should be arranged for workers by the contractor or construction agency without any dependency on public transport. These vehicles should be allowed to operate with 30 to 40 per cent of their passenger capacity.
The contractor or construction agency would ensure provision of hand wash with buckets of water and mugs with soap and towel arranged in such a way that physical distance is maintained, the SOP stated.
Display boards containing do’s and don’ts issued by Health and Family Welfare Department for prevention of COVID-19 should be put up at the construction sites.
Workers of more than 60 years are not to be allowed to work in the worksites. The sick people having symptoms of cold, cough, sneezing should not to be allowed to work at any cost. There should be complete prohibition of tobacco and spitting in the worksites.
Besides, in view of the rising temperature, adequate shading arrangement must be made at the work places to protect the workers from scorching heat and no work should be executed during the peak hours form 11 am to 3 pm.
There should be adequate, safe potable drinking water for the workers and other personnel and. there should be first-aid-box containing essential medicines, ORS and glucose at the worksites for the workers.