Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — To ensure the safety and protection of construction workers throughout the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Department of Labor issued on Tuesday a national-wide “alert” listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect construction workers from exposure to the deadly coronavirus.

The alert, which federal officials told Samoa News yesterday also applies to American Samoa and other US territories, is the latest effort by USDOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) “to educate and protect America’s workers and employers during the coronavirus pandemic,” according to the federal agency.

While American Samoa is under a Code-Blue coronavirus threat level, the construction industry continues to build, with many on-going constructions projects, including many ASG projects, with several of them funded by the federal government.

Measures highlighted in the “alert”, which OSHA says can protect employees working in construction include:

•     Encouraging workers to report any safety and health concerns;

•     Encouraging workers to stay home if they are sick;

•     Training workers on how to properly put on, use/wear, and take off protective clothing and equipment;

•     Allowing workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus;

•     Continuing to use other normal control measures, including personal protective equipment, necessary to protect workers from other job hazards associated with construction activities;

•     Advising workers to avoid physical contact with others and directing employees/contractors/visitors to increase personal space to at least six feet, where possible. Where work trailers are used, all workers should maintain social distancing while inside the trailers;

•     Promoting personal hygiene. If workers do not have immediate access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol;

•     Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus;

•     Keep in-person meetings (including toolbox talks and safety meetings) as short as possible, limit the number of workers in attendance, and use social distancing practices.

OSHA has also published Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, a document aimed at helping workers and employers learn about ways to protect themselves and their workplaces during the ongoing pandemic. Employers are encouraged to visit OSHA’s COVID-19 webpage frequently for updates.

Employers are reminded that under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.