Following a monthlong moratorium on construction and other trades, one and two-person crews will be allowed back to work Monday under strict new guidelines.
Following a monthlong moratorium on construction and other trades, one and two-person crews will be allowed to return to work Monday under strict new guidelines approved by all six Island towns.
The guidelines, containing detailed protocols for hygiene and social distancing, are referred to as phase one of a developing plan to safely and slowly transition the workforce back to full steam once the coronavirus threat subsides.
The guidelines were developed by a working group that included building inspectors, health agents, and representatives from the construction and landscaping professions, among others, and will be enforced by town building inspectors and boards of health.
“We are dealing with a very complex situation. . . there can be a lot of gray areas,” said Omar Johnson, West Tisbury health agent. “There will likely be some unforeseen circumstances that we will address and incorporate into phase two.”
The guidelines distinguish between construction sites, which are projects that require a building permit, and work sites, which include landscaping, carpentry and painting. While workers at both types of sites must observe certain practices, there are more rigid protocols for those specifically working on construction sites. The working group that drafted the phase one guidelines has created a detailed list of questions and answers about what is permitted (appended below).
For all types of labor, workers are required to keep a six-foot distance from each other while on site and during breaks. In work conditions where distancing is not possible, workers are required to wear personal protective equipment. No work is allowed inside an occupied home unless the work is an emergency to maintain the safety or habitability of the home. Work gloves must be worn, and workers may not travel in the same vehicle during the work day or share rides to work.
Additionally, all shared surfaces must be disinfected at the end of the work day, including tools, door handles, bathrooms and gates. Guidelines for stopping the spread of the coronavirus must be posted at the entrance of the job site, on each floor of the job site, in the bathroom or porta-potty and inside any office or storage area. Guidelines for proper hand washing must also be posted at all sinks.
A construction site must have at least one bathroom or approved equivalent. It also must be equipped with a hand washing station with running water, pump soap, paper towels mounted on a holder or in a dispenser, and a trash bin.
Running water is only required for construction sites. Other work sites are required to have portable water for proper hand washing, and workers must always carry hand sanitizer.
Starting Monday, construction companies can begin taking steps to ensure that their sites are in compliance with the new guidelines. Once sites are in compliance, the site supervisor can request an inspection from the town’s building inspector, who will then decide if the site is authorized to reopen.
Edgartown building inspector Reade Milne said before the pandemic, the town had a record number of active building permits. She said there were 57 sites with one or two workers, 118 sites with between three and eight workers and 37 sites with nine or more workers. Though all must be scaled down to a maximum of two-person crews, Ms. Milne said workers she has spoken to were relieved to safely return to work.
“I am anticipating that the vast majority of permits will be active again,” Ms. Milne said. “Most contractors are already figuring out how they can best be prepared to hit the ground running as soon as I authorize their site . . . You can build a 10 thousand square foot mansion with two guys, it’s possible, it’s just going to take a lot of time.”
If any site is in violation of the guidelines, a town can either suspend the work authorization for the site until all infractions are corrected and a new inspection is performed. Fines of up to $1,000 could also be imposed. Town building inspectors can also now conduct random inspections of all sites, which was not permitted before, Ms. Milne said.
“We are working very closely with people to educate them, initially,” added Mr. Johnson, the West Tisbury health agent. “Upon more frequent follow-ups, we will take the measure needed in regards to fining and enforcement.”
The building inspector does not have to authorize work sites that do not require a building permit. Work can begin as soon as Monday for laborers such as landscapers and painters, and it will be up to the supervisor to ensure the site is in compliance with the pertinent new rules.
In addition to the social distancing and hygiene requirements, workers on construction sites are required to fill out a wellness questionnaire each day that screens for symptoms. On any other work site, workers must verbally complete the questionnaire with their supervisor. For both construction and other work sites, supervisors are responsible for logging the questionnaires for at least 30 days. A cleaning log must also be kept by the supervisor, boss or manager of the crew. Self-employed laborers must keep records for themselves. If any worker becomes infected with coronavirus, the supervisor must immediately notify the owner of the site, the town’s health agent and building inspector. The logs are intended to aid in contact tracing, if necessary, Ms. Milne said.
Taylor Pierce, of T.C. Pierce Enterprises, is the general contractor for six construction projects in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown that employ a fleet of smaller work crews. He has stocked up on protective equipment and purchased portable water systems to ensure he is ready to request inspections as soon as possible.
He said it will be challenging to stagger the different crews needed on a site. Deadlines to finish projects will likely have to be extended and larger projects that need more than two workers will likely have to be postponed, he said. And he said he may have to find local crews to complete jobs that were started by off-Island companies.
But most of all, he said, he is relieved to have his crews back at work.
“Paid vacation is not something that exists in this field,” he said. “We are all eager to get back to work.”
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Comments
I guess they really don’t
DavidI guess they really don’t want people working.
Let’s get back at it
Jimmy ObLet’s get back at it
@ David- Pretty much...
BrianH Edgartown@ David- Pretty much...
Don't be jerk David, this is
Brian EdgartownDon't be jerk David, this is still very serious.
Don’t be a jerk Brian -
DavidDon’t be a jerk Brian - people are pretty capable of figuring out how to work safely and these restrictions have very little to do with that. I’m having trouble imagining the enforcement army going around the island checking up on crews. I’m more concerned that someone not really qualified to use Some equipment will be using it on his own because he can’t have anyone else on site and there’s no joe to ask when he’s not sure about it. Nope -it’s not actually that serious. This is a virus that can be managed. Govt wants to manage people. It’s wrong. And I’m not a jerk thanks very much.
In case you haven't been
Small Island Contractor VHIn case you haven't been watching the news or following the confirmed case counts and deaths counts by state, it is way to soon for us to go back to work. Massachusetts has not reached its peak yet and is currently blowing up. https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/massachusetts-reports-152-… The island community should be grateful to the town Boards of Health and Selectmen for creating the moratorium. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON we have been able to maintain such a low case count compared to what's happening a boat ride away. This isn't about the Vineyard Community, it's about the tsunami of workers that would be commuting here daily from the main land. The REAL QUESTION IS what steps are the towns, Steam Ship Authority and State going to take to prevent mainland workers and second home owners from continuing to bring the virus here? Case in point> https://www.mvtimes.com/2020/04/22/covid-19-case-confirmed-aquinnah/ How is the Steam Ship going to maintain social distancing on the boats with hundreds of walk-on passengers? All passengers should be screened at the very least prior to being allowed to travel to the island.
RGHT ON SMALL TIME CONTRACTOR
SL OBRGHT ON SMALL TIME CONTRACTOR
People have a right to work.
Shelley Wilbur EdgartownPeople have a right to work. We should all still take reasonable precautions especially those who are vulnerable, have vulnerable family members or who work with vulnerable populations(nursing homes, hospitals) Keep in mind that there has ALWAYS been those who are immunocompromised for whatever reason and these people have always had to take special precautions to stay well, wearing masks while in public, for example. More may have to do this from here on in and the rest of us will have to respect their space. But I don’t believe the whole world needs to come to a standstill because people have children to feed and bills to pay.
Amen!
freddy chilmarkAmen!
If construction workers are
Christine SengekontacketIf construction workers are from the island and taking all the precautions, it's great that they can go back to work, since there are so few cases here.
But workers from off-island are a different story, they can be bringing the virus with them and there goes our very low numbers.
Also, I've read a few comments that are based on a lack of scientific information:
1. The idea of taking temperatures at the boat is flawed. There are MANY asymptomatic carriers, and most of them are young. If you are asymptomatic, you don't have a fever. So taking temperatures does not prevent young asymptomatic carriers from coming to the island.
2. Also, the opinion stated by one writer implies that it's only the elderly or immune-compromised who get the virus. This is also not true. For example several NBA players, the singers Pink and Sara Bareillses, and many other younger people, who are not immune-compromised, have gotten the virus.
Everyone needs to READ THE SCIENCE before you express your opinions. Go to the CDC website for a start.
So the building inspector for
John Gault Oak BluffsSo the building inspector for Edgartown must never had actually worked on a construction job her statement says it all,” Ms. Milne said. “Most contractors are already figuring out how they can best be prepared to hit the ground running as soon as I authorize their site . . . You can build a 10 one thousand square foot mansion with two guys, it’s possible, it’s just going to take a lot of time.” It takes more than two men to lay in floor joists and roof rafters. This is beyond stupid and puts men at danger in getting hurt or killed. One more item who is ,” Ms. Milne said. “Most contractors are already figuring out how they can best be prepared to hit the ground running as soon as I authorize their site . . . You can build a 10 one thousand square foot mansion with two guys, it’s possible, it’s just going to take a lot of time.” pay for cost overruns?
A fast follow up. 98.6 but to
John Gault Oak BluffsA fast follow up. 98.6 but to be fair lets say 98% of the population that get infected with this virus will pass away and again 99% of those who do pass way have preexisting conditions that make them more likely to die. So now we have people healthy hard working people that are forced not to work and stay home. If the elderly and sick stay home and don't have contact with the workers they are fine and will not be infected, am I missing anything here. And one more item, all those people who telling everyone else to stay and NOT get paid ARE getting a pay check. The abuse of made up rules and power here are beyond normal. I agree with comment that when this over we will find out that there was an abuse of power by the bureaucrats are far great than the virus, just my opinion, but common sense here has long ago been lost.
I agree, John. Those who are
Shelley Wilbur EdgartownI agree, John. Those who are vulnerable should stay at home if they don’t want to get sick. And those who work with vulnerable populations should take extra precautions. It makes no sense to sacrifice the 95% for the 5 percent. This is not the exact statistics, but I think my point is obvious.
Really ! ?
Kevin EdgartownReally ! ?
I think our new building inspector “ has some clew,”. after all her father is a very long standing high grade island builder.
Buy the way she worked for him as well as another island company of equal quality. As for the rule. She is not the author but rather the enforcer.
Her comment regarding what can be done with two carpenters is valid.
I have framed many homes since 1977 and built plenty of them in hard economic times with just two carpenters. You can do it safely granted it takes considerably longer time frame. In the end hours equal hours. No more no less. So nominal to no additional cost. Maybe you Need a lesson on how to get the job done.
How is any construction site
Matt R EdgartownHow is any construction site in a preliminary/framing phase expected to provide a sink with running water? Its not like wells or water lines are run once the foundation is poured. Everyone must carry hand sanitizer. Good luck finding hand sanitizer, you can't even buy it on Amazon. These regulations are irrational and the amount of places the regulations need to be posted is down right comical. But we all know there will be no enforcement of any of these measures and any and every construction crew will go back to work on Monday regardless if they notified the building inspector or not. Oh well, makes the towns look like they are trying to do something I guess
Which is exactly why we
Ob Res Oak BluffsWhich is exactly why we shouldn’t be going back to construction sites. Nobody is going to comply and we will quickly see the virus spread here, especially if off-island workers are coming back. Disinfect common surfaces on the job site? Stay 6 ft apart? Keep a daily cleaning log and health log? I have doubts that anyone will comply or that inspectors will have capacity to check the sites to ensure compliance. And so...the island surge begins.
The economy out on the island
VH resident Vineyard havenThe economy out on the island is suffering. My employer has closed all stores until further notice. If my husband doesn't work ,how are we supposed to pay our bills and eat? Most carpenters live together in housing here so the risk is minimal. So until you decide to pay everyone's bills I would dial it back.
Now is not the time. Maybe
Think ObNow is not the time. Maybe June 1st., allow farms only first.
I can’t believe this is even
No FaithI can’t believe this is even legal?! First and foremost, how can you legally require a company to provide confidential medical information about an employee. Does no one find it alarming that a building inspector should be told of an individuals medical status? Second, the safety criteria are simply hurdles to prevent workers from working, which is their goal. The ban isn’t being lifted. Companies can only beginning working towards compliance on Monday. There is no viable plan beyond this train wreck policy. I can only wonder what the boards of health and inspectors have been doing for the last 5 weeks, besides collecting their paychecks.
Here is what is totally
Construction worker West tisburyHere is what is totally insane about this program. Most of us are getting homes ready for summer use for large families. We have all these stupid rules and can be fined $1000 per occurrence but then just hours after we are done this giant family moves in and has no rules to follow. How insane is this logic?
Imagine if we were able to
OB Resi Oak BluffsImagine if we were able to rapidly test, isolate, contact trace, quarantine a large % of the island’s current population and then require rapid testing on the other side before getting on the ferry. Of course there’s still all of the private jets (airport screenings?) and private boaters from off island.
This is the solution but we are far from being able to execute because of the lack of available testing and resources. Why aren’t we raising our voices more to ramp this up so we can have a win / win for everyone?
Agree 100%. Can we start
DPP West TisburyAgree 100%. Can we start with offering tests to workers who want them? The hospital seems to have tests - why not prioritize workers .
After the virus has passed,
Katama Bill BillAfter the virus has passed, they will find out this was an over reaction. Society needs to protect the vulnerable elderly and nursing homes. Not eliminate all economic activity.
Way in the beginning of this
Ano nymous 5 corner roundaboutWay in the beginning of this outbreak I heard an epidemiologist (might have been Fauci but I dont remember for sure) say something to this effect:
If when we look back on the measures we took and it appears to have been an overreaction then we have done our job. There’s no in between when it comes to a pandemic. You don’t do enough, and many preventable deaths will happen. You do enough and it will eventually look like it never would have been as bad as we projected.
Finally, somebody with sense.
T FalmouthFinally, somebody with sense.
Agreed. Stay away from others
Shelley Wilbur EdgartownAgreed. Stay away from others if you are vulnerable.
50,000 dead people is not an
Bulkington Edgartown50,000 dead people is not an overreaction. Healthy individuals in their 30's and 40's dying from strokes and emboli are not an overreaction. What is more, who is "they" that will think will think otherwise?
Are the ‘essential businesses
Bay Oak bluffsAre the ‘essential businesses’ being held to the same standards being imposed on job sites??? And subject to routine inspections?
I think these comments show
Logical ChilmarkI think these comments show how tricky this issue is. People either want more than two people back to work or no work at all to happen. It seems like the boards of health tried to strike a balance and ease back into work to ensure there is no jump in positive cases. The article says, "building inspectors, health agents, and representatives from the construction and landscaping professions, among others" worked to write the guidelines so at least some in the industry determined they could comply with them without an employee getting injured or killed. Perhaps those complaining just don't really feel like doing a little extra work to keep their employees and community safe.
The comments here also illustrate how unconcerned some people are about this issue and how little they've read about the other regulations out there in other towns in MA and from the Governor's office. How can a construction site that's still framing with no running water set up a hand washing sink? Answer: Call the porta-potty company and get one with a sink, if they don't have any left I'm sure they are going to get more, or get creative. Aren't contractors supposed to be problem solvers?! And are people really complaining about having to tape some extra posters on a few walls? Let's all take responsibility for our actions and the health of the island community. If you think these guidelines are bad, the alternative is the Governor's guidelines which require every worker to have their temperature checked by a medical professional before they work inside a building and requires every construction site to write their own safety and action plan and submit it to the town for review prior to getting back to work. Those that think just getting back to work with no rules or regulations is a good idea are living in a fantasy and their reckless behavior could be very detrimental to the Island's health.
I agree, Reade has plenty of
Katama Res EdgartownI agree, Reade has plenty of building experience both through her own work and as the child of a well-established contractor.
From a simple Google search, you can find plenty of stand-alone sinks. I'm sure they are in high demand so will take some time to arrive. I would suggest if caterers/restaurants have any they could spare or rent them to contractors until they are able to supply their own.
Contractors will need to get back to work eventually, so although not perfect, let's see what works with two and reassess in a couple of weeks. Just my two cents
Re washing hands, plenty of
Islander TooRe washing hands, plenty of people have campers. How about filling the tank with water and bringing the camper to the worksite? Or, plenty of people have boats. What about hanging up a solar shower bag at the site?
That is a great idea!
Katama Res EdgartownThat is a great idea!
The work stoppage was only
Bob EdgartownThe work stoppage was only meant to slow the infection rate. We have done that we cannot be idle for another 18 months when they find a vaccine. One week from now, one month from now, one year from now, this virus will still be here. Are we supposed to keep up these ridiculous rules until they find the vaccine. If not, all we are doing is postponing the infection rate that will sweep the country. And it needs to do that. This has been like a holiday for all our town/government/politicians/anyone who lives off taxpayers. You are all still getting your full paychecks and have not missed anything in fact probably have it easier. Disgusting the lack of understanding for those that have nothing and need to work.
We know very little about
Lorraine EdgartownWe know very little about this virus. Experts are disagreeing. Tests are being done and research too fast for good and scientific results. People are woefully ignorant of the facts. (ignorant in its true meaning of not knowing the facts, not a pejorative term). Many vaccine experts doubt we will be able to find a vaccine for this virus as we do not have vaccines for other corona viruses. We have had a series of viruses let loose on the world; many from China. Not a pejorative comment, a fact. I had Asian flu in 1957, we have had many other types of flu and still do each flu season. We may have another virus behind this one; experience tells us we will. We simply have to devise a practice and a method of being able to run our society without shutting everything down, each time. It is a new global challenge, we must adapt as adaptation is the secret to survival. Stay calm and carry on and let us get this show back on the road using best practices as known today.
Looks like a working bathroom
Ken Edg.Looks like a working bathroom is priority one on these sites. Plumbers will be busy. They arent even open right now. Good luck inspectors opening sites with running water. You need water, and a system for it to go in. Even a system with a gray water tank needs to be dumped. Edgartown wastewater plant is closed for business. Will it be open?
I'm concerned that the powers
Bob the builder Off islandI'm concerned that the powers to be find it too risky to allow a tradesman to come across via ferry , yet multiple healthcare professionals who work at the hospital and EMTs for OB come to theIsland daily. If it's too risky for a tradesman , perhaps the powers to be should halt these off island workers as well.
I was pleased to read about
Jane EdgartownI was pleased to read about Taylor Pierce ( T.C. Pierce Enterprises, Edgartown) has had the foresight to stock up on protective equipment and purchased portable water systems to ensure he is ready to request inspections as soon as possible. With 6 projects now in Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown, he's demonstrating that responsible contractors are ready to get back to work. Good going!
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