COVID-19 on Construction Sites: EM385-1-1 Adaptations & Lessons Learned

The pandemic forced USACE projects to rethink safety protocols. While EM385-1-1 focuses on traditional hazards—falls, struck-by incidents, andcaught-in hazards—a new category of risk demanded attention: biological hazards.

Key Adaptations Made

Construction sites implemented several new measures:

• Social distancing protocols for meetings and briefings
• Staggered shifts to reduce worker density
• Enhanced cleaning procedures for shared equipment
• Health screening before site entry
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) updates

Lessons Learned

The pandemic revealed important insights:

• Flexibility matters: Plans must adapt to rapidly changing conditions
• Communication is critical: Workers need clear, consistent updates
• Supply chains impact safety: PPE shortages affected protection levels
• Mental health affects safety: Stress and anxiety impact worker focus

Future Preparedness

Sites now maintain stronger contingency plans for health emergencies. This includes stockpiling essential PPE and having communication trees ready for rapid deployment.