Construction Industry Coronavirus Bulletins
SRBX is actively seeking out information regarding impacts to the commercial construction industry caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We will update information on this page as new information warrants.
April 7, 2020
URGENT: Essential businesses in Sacramento County required to implement social distancing protocols.
On April 7, 2020, the County of Sacramento released an updated Stay at Home Order. In this updated order, all construction remains as a designated “essential industry,” but an important directive was added.
All essential businesses must prepare a “Social Distancing Protocol.” To facilitate this protocol, the Sacramento County Department of Public Health included an example of a Social Distancing Protocol form appended to the order.
A copy of your company’s protocol must be provided to each employee and businesses must provide evidence of its implementation to any authority enforcing the Order.
SRBX recommends all members utilize the suggested protocol furnished by Sacramento County. Please use this link to download a template. Continued reinforcement and practice of recommended safety protocols will keep our industry building safely.
April 2, 2020
OnwardCA.org is a one-stop repository of information and resources for workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 31, 2020
This Wednesday, April 1 at 10 a.m., jobsites across California will pause for a COVID-19 Safety Stand Down.
Join in this unified effort to help educate our work crews about the critical role safety and health plays during this global crisis. Together, we can help flatten the curve and keep our teams safe.
As an industry, we have an obligation on our jobsites to ensure every individual understands the policies and procedures to keep us safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Please join SRBX for a statewide Safety Stand Down on Wednesday, April 1, at 10 a.m. to drive home the importance of this issue. We encourage you to use this Toolbox Talk created by our friends at the AGC Safety and Health Council to aid in your discussions.
We are proud SRBX is among the industry partners with AGC who have joined in this effort. Please send photographs of your teams participating in the Safety Stand Down to [email protected].
March 30, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or ACT) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO POST THIS NOTICE IMMEDIATELY! These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
For FAQ on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice please click here.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The United States Chamber of Commerce has developed this excellent Emergency Loan guide and checklist for Small Businesses.
Coronavirus Rapid Response Hub - Metro Chamber
SRBX is working with a coalition of construction and business associations to leverage resources and information during the COVID-19 crisis, and our coalition partners at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce are tracking up-to-date information on federal, state and local government assistance programs for businesses. Resources for Employers regarding Federal Assistance, Potential Business Closure, Banking Access and Financial and Tax Assistance can be accessed at
https://rapidresponse.metrochamber.org/employers/
March 27, 2020
XL Construction Shares Their Health Screen Checklist for Worksites. Click here to view.
California Contractors Insurance Services Shares:
Contracts: Protecting your Construction Business During COVID-19
Teaser: Despite the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, California’s construction industry continues to move forward building much-needed housing, remodeling commercial spaces and maintaining habitability of homes. With county Shelter-in-Place orders varying wildly and a Statewide mandate that is as clear as mud, contractors are searching for best practices to protect themselves and their employees from legal ramifications for job delays and material supply chain interruptions. To read more click here.
California Contractors Insurance Services Shares:
Reviewing your Municipal or Government Contract in the Era of COVID-19 Mandates
Teaser: When contractors bid and win construction projects for Municipal, State or Federal Government work, they are beholden to the issued contract provided by the governing body of their project. These contracts can be upwards of 80 to 100 pages and contain project specifications, insurance and bond requirements, and legal ramifications for late or unfinished work.
As California continues to roll out more clarification on “Shelter-in-Place” orders and guidelines for who is considered essential, contractors on different infrastructure and government construction projects are left with questions about how to stay compliant with issued mandates and signed contracts. To read more click here.
March 26, 2020
Wednesday, March 25th the SRBX Legal Committee hosted a webinar for "Coronavirus Construction Industry Update." To view the powerpoint slides, click here. To view the recorded broadcast click here for part 1, and click here for part 2.
March 25, 2020
Governor Newsom’s March 19, 2020 Stay at Home order (California Executive Order N-33-20) specifies construction is an essential industry in the State of California. For companies seeking language for documentation for their employees commuting back-and-forth to jobsites, a template is provided here.
March 23, 2020
While SRBX understands the importance of keeping jobsites moving forward during these difficult and unprecedented times, we are working with industry partners to encourage Cal OSHA and Federal OSHA to provide reasonable and uniform guidelines for our member companies who encounter days missed by employees due to illness related to COVID-19 (View letter here). We will continue to work with state and federal agencies to assist them as they develop more specific guidance regarding reporting.
Construction Exemption from Stay at Home Order
On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order for all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence. Businesses and organizations that provide critical infrastructure for the state are exempted, including health care and public health, public safety, food and agriculture and media.
This past weekend, the California Office of Emergency Services provided additional guidance on exempt sectors.
Guidance on construction activity was included in this document (page 11 in the link). Specifically:
“Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)”
“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of construction sites and construction projects (including those that support such projects to ensure the availability of needed facilities, transportation, energy and communications; and support to ensure the effective removal, storage, and disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste) (SRBX emphasis added)
Please note updates to this list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce may be issued periodically. SRBX will provide our industry with necessary guidance, as warranted.
March 21, 2020
The California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website contains up-to-date information regarding Governor Newsom’s March 19th Stay at Home Executive Order. The website recently posted this clarification on the order:
How does this order interact with local orders to shelter in place? Does it supersede them?
This is a statewide order. Depending on the conditions in their area, local officials may enforce stricter public health orders. But they may not loosen the state’s order.
SRBX will continue to work with our local coalition of construction, development and business associations to present the case for consistency in local orders across the Greater Sacramento region. With a regional construction workforce engaged in important works for the health of the Region’s citizenry and economy, it is essential that local Counties, Municipalities and Agencies operate off the same page.
If your project is experiencing difficulty in securing permits, inspections or any other governmental approvals, please notify Tim Murphy or Damon Conklin at SRBX immediately.
SRBX is grateful to our past Board President Kelley Cowan and her colleagues at XL Construction for providing SRBX members with a copy of their Pandemic Response Plan. The plan is a comprehensive document developed as a tool for project teams, staff, trade partners, and clients. It outlines an emergency preparedness and business continuity plan in response to the COVID-19 crisis and addresses the CDC guidelines for hygiene, sanitization, social distancing, and illness protocols.
In sharing this document, Cowan said “We can only appreciate that the Governor’s Executive Order allows construction to continue if we know the work will be executed in a safe and healthy manner. Therefore, we are sharing this document for the benefit of our industry and the community.”
URGENT: Essential businesses in Sacramento County required to implement social distancing protocols.
On April 7, 2020, the County of Sacramento released an updated Stay at Home Order. In this updated order, all construction remains as a designated “essential industry,” but an important directive was added.
All essential businesses must prepare a “Social Distancing Protocol.” To facilitate this protocol, the Sacramento County Department of Public Health included an example of a Social Distancing Protocol form appended to the order.
A copy of your company’s protocol must be provided to each employee and businesses must provide evidence of its implementation to any authority enforcing the Order.
SRBX recommends all members utilize the suggested protocol furnished by Sacramento County. Please use this link to download a template. Continued reinforcement and practice of recommended safety protocols will keep our industry building safely.
April 2, 2020
OnwardCA.org is a one-stop repository of information and resources for workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 31, 2020
This Wednesday, April 1 at 10 a.m., jobsites across California will pause for a COVID-19 Safety Stand Down.
Join in this unified effort to help educate our work crews about the critical role safety and health plays during this global crisis. Together, we can help flatten the curve and keep our teams safe.
As an industry, we have an obligation on our jobsites to ensure every individual understands the policies and procedures to keep us safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Please join SRBX for a statewide Safety Stand Down on Wednesday, April 1, at 10 a.m. to drive home the importance of this issue. We encourage you to use this Toolbox Talk created by our friends at the AGC Safety and Health Council to aid in your discussions.
We are proud SRBX is among the industry partners with AGC who have joined in this effort. Please send photographs of your teams participating in the Safety Stand Down to [email protected].
March 30, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or ACT) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO POST THIS NOTICE IMMEDIATELY! These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
- All employers covered by the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the FFCRA (i.e., certain public sector employers and private sector employers with fewer than 500 employes) are required to post this notice.
- The notice needs to be displayed in a conspicuous place where employees can see it. If they are able to see it at the main office, it is NOT necessary to display the notice at your different work-site locations.
For FAQ on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice please click here.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The United States Chamber of Commerce has developed this excellent Emergency Loan guide and checklist for Small Businesses.
Coronavirus Rapid Response Hub - Metro Chamber
SRBX is working with a coalition of construction and business associations to leverage resources and information during the COVID-19 crisis, and our coalition partners at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce are tracking up-to-date information on federal, state and local government assistance programs for businesses. Resources for Employers regarding Federal Assistance, Potential Business Closure, Banking Access and Financial and Tax Assistance can be accessed at
https://rapidresponse.metrochamber.org/employers/
March 27, 2020
XL Construction Shares Their Health Screen Checklist for Worksites. Click here to view.
California Contractors Insurance Services Shares:
Contracts: Protecting your Construction Business During COVID-19
Teaser: Despite the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, California’s construction industry continues to move forward building much-needed housing, remodeling commercial spaces and maintaining habitability of homes. With county Shelter-in-Place orders varying wildly and a Statewide mandate that is as clear as mud, contractors are searching for best practices to protect themselves and their employees from legal ramifications for job delays and material supply chain interruptions. To read more click here.
California Contractors Insurance Services Shares:
Reviewing your Municipal or Government Contract in the Era of COVID-19 Mandates
Teaser: When contractors bid and win construction projects for Municipal, State or Federal Government work, they are beholden to the issued contract provided by the governing body of their project. These contracts can be upwards of 80 to 100 pages and contain project specifications, insurance and bond requirements, and legal ramifications for late or unfinished work.
As California continues to roll out more clarification on “Shelter-in-Place” orders and guidelines for who is considered essential, contractors on different infrastructure and government construction projects are left with questions about how to stay compliant with issued mandates and signed contracts. To read more click here.
March 26, 2020
Wednesday, March 25th the SRBX Legal Committee hosted a webinar for "Coronavirus Construction Industry Update." To view the powerpoint slides, click here. To view the recorded broadcast click here for part 1, and click here for part 2.
March 25, 2020
Governor Newsom’s March 19, 2020 Stay at Home order (California Executive Order N-33-20) specifies construction is an essential industry in the State of California. For companies seeking language for documentation for their employees commuting back-and-forth to jobsites, a template is provided here.
March 23, 2020
While SRBX understands the importance of keeping jobsites moving forward during these difficult and unprecedented times, we are working with industry partners to encourage Cal OSHA and Federal OSHA to provide reasonable and uniform guidelines for our member companies who encounter days missed by employees due to illness related to COVID-19 (View letter here). We will continue to work with state and federal agencies to assist them as they develop more specific guidance regarding reporting.
Construction Exemption from Stay at Home Order
On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order for all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence. Businesses and organizations that provide critical infrastructure for the state are exempted, including health care and public health, public safety, food and agriculture and media.
This past weekend, the California Office of Emergency Services provided additional guidance on exempt sectors.
Guidance on construction activity was included in this document (page 11 in the link). Specifically:
“Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)”
“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of construction sites and construction projects (including those that support such projects to ensure the availability of needed facilities, transportation, energy and communications; and support to ensure the effective removal, storage, and disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste) (SRBX emphasis added)
Please note updates to this list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce may be issued periodically. SRBX will provide our industry with necessary guidance, as warranted.
March 21, 2020
The California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website contains up-to-date information regarding Governor Newsom’s March 19th Stay at Home Executive Order. The website recently posted this clarification on the order:
How does this order interact with local orders to shelter in place? Does it supersede them?
This is a statewide order. Depending on the conditions in their area, local officials may enforce stricter public health orders. But they may not loosen the state’s order.
SRBX will continue to work with our local coalition of construction, development and business associations to present the case for consistency in local orders across the Greater Sacramento region. With a regional construction workforce engaged in important works for the health of the Region’s citizenry and economy, it is essential that local Counties, Municipalities and Agencies operate off the same page.
If your project is experiencing difficulty in securing permits, inspections or any other governmental approvals, please notify Tim Murphy or Damon Conklin at SRBX immediately.
SRBX is grateful to our past Board President Kelley Cowan and her colleagues at XL Construction for providing SRBX members with a copy of their Pandemic Response Plan. The plan is a comprehensive document developed as a tool for project teams, staff, trade partners, and clients. It outlines an emergency preparedness and business continuity plan in response to the COVID-19 crisis and addresses the CDC guidelines for hygiene, sanitization, social distancing, and illness protocols.
In sharing this document, Cowan said “We can only appreciate that the Governor’s Executive Order allows construction to continue if we know the work will be executed in a safe and healthy manner. Therefore, we are sharing this document for the benefit of our industry and the community.”
March 20, 2020
A coalition of construction associations, including SRBX, determined a comprehensive response from the state was needed to address conflicting permissibility of construction operations in county public health orders/directives.
This coalition prepared and transmitted a policy recommendation which clearly established construction and related services as essential to the well-being of Californians to the Governor Newsom’s office the afternoon of March 19.
On the evening of March 19, Governor Newsom announced his statewide stay at home order. Unfortunately, that order did not provide the sought clarity on continuing of construction operations, and regrettably created more confusion. SRBX and representatives of the construction industry immediately engaged with the governor’s office, and a clarifying statement was put on the Governor’s COVID-19 website last night at 11:22 PM stating construction is exempt from the stay at home order.
Additional conversations with the Governor’s administration confirms ALL construction is exempt in the Governor’s order. However, our coalition has reports that some local jurisdictions have closed public counters. We are seeking a legal opinion that the Governor’s directive supersedes any order or directive from a County or Local Agency to ensure construction may proceed and is supported by necessary governmental functions (permitting, inspections, etc).
SRBX will continue to post updated information on our COVID-19 webpage. Please check the site regularly for news and information important to our industry.
Proceeding forward, there are several key points to remember:
Working with health and safety as the primary objective, our industry can continue to meet the objectives of our clients while providing for the economic well-being of our workers and the State of California. Build safe; Build healthy.
Tim Murphy, CEO
Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange
Contractors State License Board Closing its Test Centers Statewide
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is announcing that all eight of its test centers throughout California will close, effective tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, 2020. The closure will last through April 16, 2020. Applicants can reschedule their exams via email at: [email protected]. They can also reschedule by phone at: (916) 255-3498. (Email recommended)
Most CSLB staff remain on-duty, either at its Sacramento headquarters or offices throughout the state, or through teleworking.
March 19, 2020
Sacramento County Issues Shelter at Home Order; Goes into Effect at 11:59PM Tonight
Sacramento County has issued a formal shelter at home order for residents of Sacramento County.
Based on input provided by SRBX and industry partners, construction has been listed as an exempt business.
The order states:
“For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, construction, airport operations, water, sewer, flood control, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection, processing and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, to the extent possible.
SRBX continues to work with industry partners to address orders that may be issued from adjoining counties and the State of California. Information on these orders will be posted to SRBX’s COVID-19 Information webpage. Please check this resource frequently for current information regarding COVID-19 and the construction industry.
March 18, 2020
Information on Public Health Department Orders
to Shelter at Home and if Construction is Exempted
Jurisdictions in Northern California have issued orders asking people to shelter in homes. Counties all over California are rapidly responding with their own directives, and SRBX is compiling information regarding work orders and advisories for our service area.
Sacramento County – The understanding is that the Sacramento County Directive allows that local businesses currently remain free to use their best judgment about which essential workers can and should still report for work sites. The announcement from health officials at this point is not an official legal order limiting workplace attendance, but a formal order is anticipated. SRBX is in communication with local authorities to see that areas within construction are included as “Essential Businesses.” For more information: https://www.saccounty.net/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
Placer County – Workplaces and businesses should implement telecommuting for their employees, if feasible. They should also minimize the number of employees working within six feet of one another. Placer County has called for the suspension of nonessential employee travel, require employees to stay home when sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits, and to consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people congregating.
Form more information: https://www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/43177/FULL-COVID19-GUIDANCE-FINAL-031720?bidId=
Yolo County – Yolo County’s order states “any work necessary to the construction, operation, and/or maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.” For more information: https://www.yolocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=62364
Solano County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Solano County is currently following State of California Public Health guidance.
For more information: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx#
El Dorado County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Public emergency implemented. For more information: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Documents/COVID-19%20Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Declaration.pdf
Amador County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Amador County is currently following State of California Public Health guidance. For more information: https://www.amadorgov.org/services/covid-19
Alpine County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Alpine County is currently following State of California Public Health guidance. For more information: https://www.alpinecountyca.gov/Index.aspx?NID=191
Information on Local Municipal / Public Agency
Planning Department Availability
Sacramento County – currently open for regular business hours. County leaders are not prepared to order staff to shelter in place, but they are looking seriously at sending at-risk workers home. The county permitting center is open. The county is planning on having their public meetings with modifications to limit the number of people present to testify and reduce contact. They have had discussions about potentially cancelling meetings until May if further restrictions are put in place. Staff available by phone and email. The Sac County Recorder’s Office is fully open for business. If they were to be ordered to be closed to the public, the public counter service would end but staff will complete recordings and receive packages from delivery services (UPS, FedEx) to do recordation.
City of Sacramento – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging processing applications and plan requests online and are still handling inspections, plan entitlements, and permit processing. They have not decided to cancel public meetings but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings. Staff available by phone and email.
Elk Grove – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging processing applications and plan requests online and are still handling inspections, plan entitlements, and permit processing. They have not decided to cancel public meetings but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings. Staff available by phone and email.
Rancho Cordova – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging processing applications and plan requests online and are still handling inspections, plan entitlements, and permit processing. They have not decided to cancel public meetings but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings. Staff available by phone and email.
Roseville – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging everyone to submit applications online. Staff available by phone and email.
Rocklin – Taking measures to improve hygiene and sanitary conditions and maintain social distancing. The city is encouraging phone calls instead of in-person meetings. They have not decided to cancel public meetings, but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings, including the RHNA ROI scheduled for March 24th.
Lincoln – Community Development temporarily moved to 1st Floor City Manager’s office. Over the counter permits can be submitted there from 8:00AM – 10:00AM and pick up from 3:00PM – 5:00PM. Staff available by phone and email.
Folsom – No changes to operations or hours, they are working to expedite their online submittal and plan check abilities, but currently customers are still required to come to the counter for all business.
Placer County – Permit counter closing until at least March 30 but accepting online plan applications. Staff is mostly working from home but reaching out to local engineers to coordinate plan checks. Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator meetings are postponed until further notice, and Board of Supervisors meetings will only include noncontroversial items intended to reduce attendance. Staff available by phone and email. Recorder’s Office open for business.
El Dorado County – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging everyone to submit applications and plan requests online.
Dixon – Closed to public, by appointment only. Staff available by phone and email.
Davis – Closed to public, by appointment only. Staff available by phone and email.
West Sacramento – Closed to public, staff available by phone and email.
Natomas Unified School District – Schools closed through April 5th. Their Administration office that collects impact fees is closed to the public. They are working on a process for payment of school fees. Staff available by phone and email.
Elk Grove Unified School District – Will be closed through March 19th, they are working on a process for payment of school fees. Staff available by phone and email.
Placer County Water Agency – Will be closed, they ask that anyone doing business with the Engineering Division to call (530) 823-0030.
SRBX’s OSHA training partner has provided us with print-your-own Coronavirus posters for use in your places of business. Link here.
March 17, 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) - LEGAL RESOURCES FOR CONTRACTORS
The potential impacts of the Coronavirus to the construction industry are wide reaching. Consequences on a project site can include quarantines or other governmental actions resulting in labor shortages and production delays. So, what can contractors facing such impacts do to avoid losses, mitigate the impacts, and prepare for what’s to come? SRBX members are encouraged to contact the law offices of our legal committee to answer their legal questions and provide guidance from attorneys who have unique expertise in construction law. Click here to learn more.
***UPDATED 3.23.20 - 1PM
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ASKED TO DONATE THEIR STOCKS OF N95 RESPIRATOR MASKS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS
At the March 17, 2020 Coronavirus Task Force press conference, Vice President Mike Pence asked construction companies to donate their stocks of N95 respirator masks to their local hospitals and stop ordering more for the time being. This call comes in the middle of a major shortage of these kinds of masks, which get their name from being able to block at least 95 percent of 0.3 micron particles.
“These industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for health care workers to be protected from a respiratory disease,” Pence said. “What we ask construction companies — which our president knows very well from his background — we are asking them to donate their N95 masks to their local hospitals and also forgo making additional orders.”
Because of their ability to filter out these very small particles, these N95 respirators are often used by construction workers on sites where there is a lot of dust. Currently, these masks are in critically short supply. While health agencies discourage the use of masks for the general population, many people have bought them anyway, severely exacerbating this shortage.
Sacramento Region Health Care facilities are carefully managing personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to help ensure the safety of the health care professionals caring for our community.
Due to this unprecedented crisis, health systems are seeking to secure additional PPE from conventional and unconventional sources, including receiving donations from the construction industry.
Health Systems are seeking donations for the following PPE (new and unopened):
Construction companies who are able to provide donations are encouraged to share them and contact the personnel of the following health systems directly to coordinate donations:
Dignity Health (Mercy General, Mercy Folsom, Mercy San Juan, Methodist, Sierra Nevada Memorial and Woodland Memorial Hospitals)
Alex Podany
575-308-1154
Kaiser Permanente (Sacramento Region Hospitals)
Michelle Odell
Sutter Health
Sutter Hospitals serving Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn, Amador, and the Coast
Sonja Grant
916-204-5429
Sutter Hospitals serving Davis, Vallejo, Modesto and Tracy
Stacy Jones
209-380-5067
UC Davis Medical Center
Charles Schafer
Webinar- Fact vs Fiction: Planning For Coronavirus In Your Workplace Wednesday, March 18th and 25th at 10am
The Coronavirus Outbreak, also known as COVID-19, is a novel virus that has caused significant illness and deaths around the globe. In this live webinar, Connect Consulting Services, healthcare emergency management experts, will share the virus' facts and dispel the fictions, share business continuity tools and resources on how to protect you and your workplace from COVID-19's spread, and how the pandemic will impact your business as the pandemic illness spreads. To register, please visit: https://connectconsulting.biz/free-webinars/. We also will have a Pandemic Planning Guide available for purchase after March 18th. Small businesses can now apply for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Details & application may be found at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
CONFIRM BIDDING PROCESS / JOB WALKS IN ADVANCE
For members bidding on projects, it is strongly recommended you contact the lead agency/developer regarding bid submissions. It has been reported some public agencies in the Bay Area are receiving bids only via drop-off in the department parking lot, opening them upon receipt. Similarly, with health organizations reducing the number of recommended people in public settings, contact agencies in advance regarding posted job walks to ensure they have not been cancelled.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
At this time, the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not issued specific guidance for construction workers. The OSHA COVID-19 website (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/) has up-to-date information for all industries, including those with higher exposure risk levels, including a document to help companies handle workplace safety (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf).
ESTABLISH A DESIGNATED SWEEP AT YOUR JOB SITE / WORKPLACE
Identify designated sweep(s) for your office and/or job site trailer site who will be in charge of frequently disinfecting and wiping down high touch surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, handles, desks, sinks, microwaves, etc). This ideally needs to take place every few hours, or on a daily basis at a minimum.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SCAMS
Phishing emails related to COVID-19 are circulating and are structured to appear they are coming from official government sources (e.g. the Centers for Disease Control, CalOSHA). These emails often ask users to click on a link or download an attachment to learn more about how to protect against contracting COVID-19.
Please remember to look for common phishing indicators such as:
A coalition of construction associations, including SRBX, determined a comprehensive response from the state was needed to address conflicting permissibility of construction operations in county public health orders/directives.
This coalition prepared and transmitted a policy recommendation which clearly established construction and related services as essential to the well-being of Californians to the Governor Newsom’s office the afternoon of March 19.
On the evening of March 19, Governor Newsom announced his statewide stay at home order. Unfortunately, that order did not provide the sought clarity on continuing of construction operations, and regrettably created more confusion. SRBX and representatives of the construction industry immediately engaged with the governor’s office, and a clarifying statement was put on the Governor’s COVID-19 website last night at 11:22 PM stating construction is exempt from the stay at home order.
Additional conversations with the Governor’s administration confirms ALL construction is exempt in the Governor’s order. However, our coalition has reports that some local jurisdictions have closed public counters. We are seeking a legal opinion that the Governor’s directive supersedes any order or directive from a County or Local Agency to ensure construction may proceed and is supported by necessary governmental functions (permitting, inspections, etc).
SRBX will continue to post updated information on our COVID-19 webpage. Please check the site regularly for news and information important to our industry.
Proceeding forward, there are several key points to remember:
- Controlling the spread of the coronavirus the Governor’s ultimate objective.
- Failing to observe recommended social distancing and provide adequate handwashing and hygienic services on construction site, the exemption for construction could be quickly rescinded or severely limited.
- If you encounter any jurisdictional issues with local planning departments, inspection officials, etc., please report it to me immediately at [email protected].
Working with health and safety as the primary objective, our industry can continue to meet the objectives of our clients while providing for the economic well-being of our workers and the State of California. Build safe; Build healthy.
Tim Murphy, CEO
Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange
Contractors State License Board Closing its Test Centers Statewide
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is announcing that all eight of its test centers throughout California will close, effective tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, 2020. The closure will last through April 16, 2020. Applicants can reschedule their exams via email at: [email protected]. They can also reschedule by phone at: (916) 255-3498. (Email recommended)
Most CSLB staff remain on-duty, either at its Sacramento headquarters or offices throughout the state, or through teleworking.
March 19, 2020
Sacramento County Issues Shelter at Home Order; Goes into Effect at 11:59PM Tonight
Sacramento County has issued a formal shelter at home order for residents of Sacramento County.
Based on input provided by SRBX and industry partners, construction has been listed as an exempt business.
The order states:
“For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, construction, airport operations, water, sewer, flood control, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection, processing and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, to the extent possible.
SRBX continues to work with industry partners to address orders that may be issued from adjoining counties and the State of California. Information on these orders will be posted to SRBX’s COVID-19 Information webpage. Please check this resource frequently for current information regarding COVID-19 and the construction industry.
March 18, 2020
Information on Public Health Department Orders
to Shelter at Home and if Construction is Exempted
Jurisdictions in Northern California have issued orders asking people to shelter in homes. Counties all over California are rapidly responding with their own directives, and SRBX is compiling information regarding work orders and advisories for our service area.
Sacramento County – The understanding is that the Sacramento County Directive allows that local businesses currently remain free to use their best judgment about which essential workers can and should still report for work sites. The announcement from health officials at this point is not an official legal order limiting workplace attendance, but a formal order is anticipated. SRBX is in communication with local authorities to see that areas within construction are included as “Essential Businesses.” For more information: https://www.saccounty.net/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
Placer County – Workplaces and businesses should implement telecommuting for their employees, if feasible. They should also minimize the number of employees working within six feet of one another. Placer County has called for the suspension of nonessential employee travel, require employees to stay home when sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits, and to consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people congregating.
Form more information: https://www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/43177/FULL-COVID19-GUIDANCE-FINAL-031720?bidId=
Yolo County – Yolo County’s order states “any work necessary to the construction, operation, and/or maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.” For more information: https://www.yolocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=62364
Solano County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Solano County is currently following State of California Public Health guidance.
For more information: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx#
El Dorado County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Public emergency implemented. For more information: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Documents/COVID-19%20Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Declaration.pdf
Amador County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Amador County is currently following State of California Public Health guidance. For more information: https://www.amadorgov.org/services/covid-19
Alpine County – No Shelter at Home directive/order at this time, no limitations on construction activities. Alpine County is currently following State of California Public Health guidance. For more information: https://www.alpinecountyca.gov/Index.aspx?NID=191
Information on Local Municipal / Public Agency
Planning Department Availability
Sacramento County – currently open for regular business hours. County leaders are not prepared to order staff to shelter in place, but they are looking seriously at sending at-risk workers home. The county permitting center is open. The county is planning on having their public meetings with modifications to limit the number of people present to testify and reduce contact. They have had discussions about potentially cancelling meetings until May if further restrictions are put in place. Staff available by phone and email. The Sac County Recorder’s Office is fully open for business. If they were to be ordered to be closed to the public, the public counter service would end but staff will complete recordings and receive packages from delivery services (UPS, FedEx) to do recordation.
City of Sacramento – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging processing applications and plan requests online and are still handling inspections, plan entitlements, and permit processing. They have not decided to cancel public meetings but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings. Staff available by phone and email.
Elk Grove – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging processing applications and plan requests online and are still handling inspections, plan entitlements, and permit processing. They have not decided to cancel public meetings but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings. Staff available by phone and email.
Rancho Cordova – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging processing applications and plan requests online and are still handling inspections, plan entitlements, and permit processing. They have not decided to cancel public meetings but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings. Staff available by phone and email.
Roseville – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging everyone to submit applications online. Staff available by phone and email.
Rocklin – Taking measures to improve hygiene and sanitary conditions and maintain social distancing. The city is encouraging phone calls instead of in-person meetings. They have not decided to cancel public meetings, but will try to limit discussion items to reduce the expected testimony and limit the number of people attending meetings, including the RHNA ROI scheduled for March 24th.
Lincoln – Community Development temporarily moved to 1st Floor City Manager’s office. Over the counter permits can be submitted there from 8:00AM – 10:00AM and pick up from 3:00PM – 5:00PM. Staff available by phone and email.
Folsom – No changes to operations or hours, they are working to expedite their online submittal and plan check abilities, but currently customers are still required to come to the counter for all business.
Placer County – Permit counter closing until at least March 30 but accepting online plan applications. Staff is mostly working from home but reaching out to local engineers to coordinate plan checks. Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator meetings are postponed until further notice, and Board of Supervisors meetings will only include noncontroversial items intended to reduce attendance. Staff available by phone and email. Recorder’s Office open for business.
El Dorado County – No changes to operations or hours, they are encouraging everyone to submit applications and plan requests online.
Dixon – Closed to public, by appointment only. Staff available by phone and email.
Davis – Closed to public, by appointment only. Staff available by phone and email.
West Sacramento – Closed to public, staff available by phone and email.
Natomas Unified School District – Schools closed through April 5th. Their Administration office that collects impact fees is closed to the public. They are working on a process for payment of school fees. Staff available by phone and email.
Elk Grove Unified School District – Will be closed through March 19th, they are working on a process for payment of school fees. Staff available by phone and email.
Placer County Water Agency – Will be closed, they ask that anyone doing business with the Engineering Division to call (530) 823-0030.
SRBX’s OSHA training partner has provided us with print-your-own Coronavirus posters for use in your places of business. Link here.
March 17, 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) - LEGAL RESOURCES FOR CONTRACTORS
The potential impacts of the Coronavirus to the construction industry are wide reaching. Consequences on a project site can include quarantines or other governmental actions resulting in labor shortages and production delays. So, what can contractors facing such impacts do to avoid losses, mitigate the impacts, and prepare for what’s to come? SRBX members are encouraged to contact the law offices of our legal committee to answer their legal questions and provide guidance from attorneys who have unique expertise in construction law. Click here to learn more.
***UPDATED 3.23.20 - 1PM
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ASKED TO DONATE THEIR STOCKS OF N95 RESPIRATOR MASKS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS
At the March 17, 2020 Coronavirus Task Force press conference, Vice President Mike Pence asked construction companies to donate their stocks of N95 respirator masks to their local hospitals and stop ordering more for the time being. This call comes in the middle of a major shortage of these kinds of masks, which get their name from being able to block at least 95 percent of 0.3 micron particles.
“These industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for health care workers to be protected from a respiratory disease,” Pence said. “What we ask construction companies — which our president knows very well from his background — we are asking them to donate their N95 masks to their local hospitals and also forgo making additional orders.”
Because of their ability to filter out these very small particles, these N95 respirators are often used by construction workers on sites where there is a lot of dust. Currently, these masks are in critically short supply. While health agencies discourage the use of masks for the general population, many people have bought them anyway, severely exacerbating this shortage.
Sacramento Region Health Care facilities are carefully managing personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to help ensure the safety of the health care professionals caring for our community.
Due to this unprecedented crisis, health systems are seeking to secure additional PPE from conventional and unconventional sources, including receiving donations from the construction industry.
Health Systems are seeking donations for the following PPE (new and unopened):
- N95 masks or equivalent (i.e. P100, N99, R95 etc.)
- Powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) hoods
- Surgical masks
- Procedure masks
- Isolation gowns
- Paper masks (with ties or elastic)
- Paper protective gowns
- Protective glasses/goggles
- Industrial face shields (e.g. paint shields)
- Painters smocks (impermeable)
Construction companies who are able to provide donations are encouraged to share them and contact the personnel of the following health systems directly to coordinate donations:
Dignity Health (Mercy General, Mercy Folsom, Mercy San Juan, Methodist, Sierra Nevada Memorial and Woodland Memorial Hospitals)
Alex Podany
575-308-1154
Kaiser Permanente (Sacramento Region Hospitals)
Michelle Odell
Sutter Health
Sutter Hospitals serving Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn, Amador, and the Coast
Sonja Grant
916-204-5429
Sutter Hospitals serving Davis, Vallejo, Modesto and Tracy
Stacy Jones
209-380-5067
UC Davis Medical Center
Charles Schafer
Webinar- Fact vs Fiction: Planning For Coronavirus In Your Workplace Wednesday, March 18th and 25th at 10am
The Coronavirus Outbreak, also known as COVID-19, is a novel virus that has caused significant illness and deaths around the globe. In this live webinar, Connect Consulting Services, healthcare emergency management experts, will share the virus' facts and dispel the fictions, share business continuity tools and resources on how to protect you and your workplace from COVID-19's spread, and how the pandemic will impact your business as the pandemic illness spreads. To register, please visit: https://connectconsulting.biz/free-webinars/. We also will have a Pandemic Planning Guide available for purchase after March 18th. Small businesses can now apply for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Details & application may be found at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
CONFIRM BIDDING PROCESS / JOB WALKS IN ADVANCE
For members bidding on projects, it is strongly recommended you contact the lead agency/developer regarding bid submissions. It has been reported some public agencies in the Bay Area are receiving bids only via drop-off in the department parking lot, opening them upon receipt. Similarly, with health organizations reducing the number of recommended people in public settings, contact agencies in advance regarding posted job walks to ensure they have not been cancelled.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
At this time, the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not issued specific guidance for construction workers. The OSHA COVID-19 website (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/) has up-to-date information for all industries, including those with higher exposure risk levels, including a document to help companies handle workplace safety (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf).
ESTABLISH A DESIGNATED SWEEP AT YOUR JOB SITE / WORKPLACE
Identify designated sweep(s) for your office and/or job site trailer site who will be in charge of frequently disinfecting and wiping down high touch surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, handles, desks, sinks, microwaves, etc). This ideally needs to take place every few hours, or on a daily basis at a minimum.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SCAMS
Phishing emails related to COVID-19 are circulating and are structured to appear they are coming from official government sources (e.g. the Centers for Disease Control, CalOSHA). These emails often ask users to click on a link or download an attachment to learn more about how to protect against contracting COVID-19.
Please remember to look for common phishing indicators such as:
- Suspicious Senders / Email Addresses
- External Warning Tags
- Urgent Messages from Unlikely Senders
- Suspicious Links
- Typos
- Attachments
March 16, 2020
SRBX & CIEF Response to Coronavirus
The evolving circumstances and health precautions around coronavirus (COVID-19) has compelled the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX) and our not-for-profit Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) to take the following steps in the interest of the health and welfare of our members and staff.
Effective today, the majority of SRBX and CIEF staff will be working remotely and our main office will remain open with limited staffing. All staff are available by phone/email and are fully committed to serving our members and industry at this time.
All SRBX/CIEF Board and Committee Meetings will take place via videoconferencing or conference call. Additional details regarding already scheduled meetings will be sent out to those individuals participating in these meetings.
The SRBX Plan room is fully operational and we encourage SRBX members to review the more than 1,600 plans currently available online. Staff is available to assist you with any needs.
The NEXT St. Patrick's Day Brewfest which was scheduled for tomorrow, March 17th, has been rescheduled for a date to be determined. Information regarding the rescheduled date will be sent out when available.
The SRBX Safety Expo scheduled for April 8th and 9th at Cosumnes River College will be rescheduled. Information regarding the rescheduled date will be sent out when available.
The CIEF Southern California Design Build Competition scheduled for April 18th and 19th at Reliable Wholesale Lumber has been cancelled. While every effort was made to look at alternative dates for this competition, we do not feel that we could provide the quality needed for this event after students return to schools prior to the end of the school year. We will be providing information about the 2021 Southern California Design Build Competition this summer.
The CIEF Northern California Design Build Competition scheduled for May 6th and 7th at Cosumnes River College will be rescheduled. New dates will be determined after students return to campus and revised spring schedules are available.
The CIEF Clay Shoot scheduled for May 15th at Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve and the SRBX Spring Golf Outing scheduled on May 29th at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course fall outside the current gathering recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health. As such, both are planned to be held as scheduled. Should the need to postpone these events occur, this information will be communicated to all sponsors and registrants.
SRBX and CIEF take your health and safety very seriously. We will continue to monitor announcements and reports from state and national health agencies for additional directives and will take appropriate measures to continue to protect the health of our members, event guests, visitors, and staff. Up to date information can be found online at www.srbx.org .
As always, thank you for your membership and support of SRBX and CIEF.
SRBX & CIEF Response to Coronavirus
The evolving circumstances and health precautions around coronavirus (COVID-19) has compelled the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX) and our not-for-profit Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) to take the following steps in the interest of the health and welfare of our members and staff.
Effective today, the majority of SRBX and CIEF staff will be working remotely and our main office will remain open with limited staffing. All staff are available by phone/email and are fully committed to serving our members and industry at this time.
All SRBX/CIEF Board and Committee Meetings will take place via videoconferencing or conference call. Additional details regarding already scheduled meetings will be sent out to those individuals participating in these meetings.
The SRBX Plan room is fully operational and we encourage SRBX members to review the more than 1,600 plans currently available online. Staff is available to assist you with any needs.
The NEXT St. Patrick's Day Brewfest which was scheduled for tomorrow, March 17th, has been rescheduled for a date to be determined. Information regarding the rescheduled date will be sent out when available.
The SRBX Safety Expo scheduled for April 8th and 9th at Cosumnes River College will be rescheduled. Information regarding the rescheduled date will be sent out when available.
The CIEF Southern California Design Build Competition scheduled for April 18th and 19th at Reliable Wholesale Lumber has been cancelled. While every effort was made to look at alternative dates for this competition, we do not feel that we could provide the quality needed for this event after students return to schools prior to the end of the school year. We will be providing information about the 2021 Southern California Design Build Competition this summer.
The CIEF Northern California Design Build Competition scheduled for May 6th and 7th at Cosumnes River College will be rescheduled. New dates will be determined after students return to campus and revised spring schedules are available.
The CIEF Clay Shoot scheduled for May 15th at Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve and the SRBX Spring Golf Outing scheduled on May 29th at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course fall outside the current gathering recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health. As such, both are planned to be held as scheduled. Should the need to postpone these events occur, this information will be communicated to all sponsors and registrants.
SRBX and CIEF take your health and safety very seriously. We will continue to monitor announcements and reports from state and national health agencies for additional directives and will take appropriate measures to continue to protect the health of our members, event guests, visitors, and staff. Up to date information can be found online at www.srbx.org .
As always, thank you for your membership and support of SRBX and CIEF.
