New OSHA COVID-19 safety measures in effect to protect workers
The good news for contractors and construction workers is that Mayor Kenney and Health Commissioner Farley issued an Executive Order authorizing construction that was halted by the City’s late March Stay a Home Order to resume on May 1, 2020.
“Construction managers and workers will have to consistently follow practices that keep their workers and the community safe,” Kenney said. “I’m confident that this will prove to be a much-needed boost to economic activity in the city. And I’m equally confident that everyone involved will be vigilant about adhering to these safe procedures and protocols as this work resumes.”
The OSHA guidelines governing construction work may be found at: www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200504-COVID-19-Business-Guidance.pdf
Because the Department of Licenses and Inspections rolled out online permitting via its eCLIPSE system on March 16, days before the closure of City offices, the Department has been able to accept new permit
applications, review building plans online, and issue permits throughout the shutdown. To learn more contact Karen Guss, Karen.Guss@phila.gov.
Information for this article was condensed from the Mayor’s Office of Communication Tip Sheet for May, 2020 (Ted Behr).