THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it has partially resumed construction works on some of its Build, Build, Build projects.
In a statement, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), construction workers accredited by the DPWH will be allowed to work on quarantine and isolation facilities, health facilities, emergency and maintenance works, flood control, and other disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation works.
In areas under the general community quarantine, private and public construction projects will be allowed to resume following compliance to the construction safety guidelines prescribed for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the new coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) public health crisis.
Only persons from 21 to 59 years of age, without pre-existing health conditions, such as, but not limited to, immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks shall be allowed to be included in the workforce.
Prior to deployment, construction personnel shall be required to undergo COVID-19 test, as may be prescribed by Department of Health, and retested as the need arises.
The head of the concerned implementing office (IO) shall issue construction quarantine pass to the individual qualified personnel of the concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, clearly stating the identification, designation, nature of work, validity and destination.
Villar said concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers shall provide for their personnel the necessary welfare facilities and amenities, such as employees’ quarters for board and lodging, ensuring compliance to social distancing, proper hygiene, etc.
“Employees shall be housed in their respective quarters for the entire duration of the project covered by the ECQ and GCQ,” he said.
Work activities shall be under daily strict monitoring by the safety officer at site to ensure compliance to safety standards and quarantine protocols.
Villar said daily monitoring of the pre and post work health conditions of workers shall be mandatory.
“Personnel with manifestations or symptoms relative to COVID-19 shall be immediately isolated and quarantined for fourteen days and if necessary, brought to the nearest DOH COVID-19 treatment facility under strict confidentiality and privacy,” he added.
For government construction projects, personal records of all personnel necessary for contact tracing shall be submitted by the concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to the DPWH IO and shall be resubmitted and updated monthly, or as the
need arises.
