COVID-19 Metal Industry News Round-Up

By METALCON.

With COVID-19 continuing to rattle all areas of American life, how is the metal, design, building and construction industry feeling the effects?

Here is a “round-up” of current news stories and helpful tips from various industry sources:

Status of Industry Events

Metal Construction News (MCN) has compiled a list of cancelled or postponed industry events going through the end of April and including one event in May. Click HERE to view the full list which will be monitored and regularly updated.

High-Impact Construction Projects

ConstructionDive reported yesterday, “In most US cities, construction work continues as shutdowns loom.” Currently, Boston is the only major city in the US to shut down all construction projects, while other projects continue including the Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium (still projected to be finished this summer), housing projects in San Francisco, and Gilbane’s Foxconn project in Wisconsin. Check out ConstructionDive’s interactive mapping tool of high-impact construction projects, updated on a regular basis.

Staying Safe on a Job Site

The Builders’ Association has released a list of recommended best practices based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, including adding handwashing stations, limiting the sharing of tools, reducing the number of workers in confined areas and staying home if symptoms are present. Click HERE for a complete update from the Associated General Contractors (AGC). You can also check out OSHA’s guidance for properly preparing workplaces.

Tips on Working Remote

The construction industry has traditionally operated with person-to-person interactions, so shifting to an at-home, remote model presents its challenges. In a recent article, “Remote Control: What Construction Companies are Doing to Keep Work Going,” ConstructionDive highlights real-life examples of how some companies are adjusting including advice from construction and tech companies nationwide. Business Management Daily suggests, “Explore whether you can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others.”

Paid and FMLA Emergency Leave

According to the March 17th issue of Business Management Daily, “Coronavirus paid leave for those affected by COVID-19 is apparently on its way. The House of Representatives has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Senate is expected to follow suit. President Donald Trump has already signaled he will sign the bipartisan bill. The bill, once signed, is expected to take effect immediately. It will make millions eligible for paid pandemic leave.”

Time for Webinars, On-Line Classes, and Discussion Forums

You know all of those hundreds of emails that you get advertising webinars and on-line classes that you delete and think, “if I only had the time?” Now’s that time! Here are some resources:

• Roofing Technology Think Tank’s (RT3) recent Webinar: Virtualizing Your Roofing Business in Light of Coronavirus.

• Mark your calendar for next Thursday, March 26, for “Navigating your A/E/C Firm Through the COVID-19 Crisis,” a Webinar led by PSMJ Resources, producers of METALCON, and industry leaders in A/E/C training, research, events, and consulting.

• Another outlet is “chatting” with industry colleagues through online discussion forums such as the current one with METALCON exhibitor, The Roofers Coffee Shop.

For the latest information specific to the roofing industry, visit RoofersCoffeeShop's coronavirus resource page. 

Original article source: METALCON