Tips Amid COVID-19 Uncertainty: What To Do For Yourself And Your Workers.

By Marco Industries.

Marco knows that roofing contractors have two primary work-related concerns in the coming months: cash flow and safety on the jobsite.

While this is new territory for everyone, government agencies and industry associations are working hard to provide helpful information and meaningful aid to help our industry through these uncertain times.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging small businesses to “do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.” They are also taking special steps to offer low-interest economic injury disaster loans, express bridge loans and more to help businesses financially. You can find their Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources information here, which includes a wealth of helpful information including the SBA’s Local Assistance Directory to help you find the office nearest you.

Experts have also weighed in on how to keep workers safe while on the job. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines on how to protect workers on the jobsite. While these tips are targeted toward larger workforces, even small two-man crews could benefit from some of the information. The guidelines include:

• Rotating breaks and lunches in order to reduce the chance of large gatherings.
• Storing materials so that their locations don't force a bottleneck of workers trying to gain access.
• Using technology and equipment options that keep workers separated.
• Increasing the rate of restroom facility service.
• Dedicating someone to make sure that high-touch areas being disinfected regularly.

In one the hardest-hit states (which has since banned construction activity), the Associated General Contractors of Washington developed both a site-specific workplan and a jobsite best practices guide that deal specifically with COVID-19 safety issues. Both are free to download.

For construction-specific news during this time, check out Construction Dive’s COVID-10 Daily News And Resource Tracker. From their site: The coronavirus pandemic, affecting every facet of life in the U.S., is generating unprecedented levels of uncertainty for the construction industry. The news is changing every day, and to help readers make sense of how the outbreak will impact their businesses, Construction Dive is tracking the daily headlines from around the web that matter most to the nation’s contractors.

These are tough time to be sure. But we at Marco want to remind you: we are all in this together, and we will get through it together. Keep the lines of communication open. To contact Marco directly, you can email here or call 1-800-800-8590.

Learn more about Marco in their RCS directory.