Associated Builders & Contractors of Michigan issued the following announcement on April 24
The Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan today told Governor Gretchen Whitmer that her executive order locking an estimated 100,000-plus craft trade professionals off safe Michigan job sites is devastating workers and families, as the industry has already implemented safety measures to effectively mitigate the spread of illness effectively.
With social distancing and safety measures already implemented, the construction workforce and employers strongly urge Governor Whitmer to lift her order locking them off the jobsite, no later than May 1, as part of her first wave of orders loosening her administration’s work restrictions.
“Michigan’s builders and contractors have implemented proven work-safe plans, they’ve shared those plans with Governor Whitmer, and it’s imperative she listen to both the workers her orders are devastating and the data that clearly says they can safely return to work,” said Chris Beckering, Executive Vice President of Pioneer Construction in Grand Rapids. Pioneer Construction employs a workforce of roughly 300 local tradesmen and women. “Michigan employers and the construction workforce are working together to follow the science and have taken the precautions to return to work safely. Governor Whitmer should follow the clear and reasonable guidance taken by Governor’s in other states where construction has safely resumed.”
On the few worksites thus far exempt from the Governor’s work stoppage, builders have implemented safety measures and best practices and prepared to immediately implement them on job sites statewide once they’re allowed to return to work. These measures include but are not limited to:
• Maintaining social distancing on the job site (something that already typically happens on most building and construction sites);
• Holding meetings virtually and by telephone;
• Eliminating the use of tools by multiple workers;
• Placing proper controls on water delivery and dust collection systems;
• Reducing the number of individuals deemed “necessary” on site;
• Wearing proper gloves and eye protection at all times; and much more.
“Our construction workforce has spent the past several weeks fine-tuning safe work practices, and communicating those plans to Governor Whitmer and leaders in the Michigan legislature,“ said Jeff Wiggins, State Director for ABC Michigan. “Keeping workers off safe work sites isn’t stopping the virus, but it is devastating Michigan families. The data proves Michigan has flattened the curve. It’s time to let Michigan’s hardworking craft professionals to get back to work.”
Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan is a statewide association serving Michigan's commercial and industrial construction sectors. Founded on the merit shop philosophy to provide equal opportunities to all contractors and all workers, ABC of Michigan works to help employer members develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work
Original source can be found here.
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