The issues of whether or not masks are needed on a jobsite, the situations in which masks are required, and what type of masks are permitted, have been particularly difficult to address and have led to much confusion.
I am pleased to report that L&I, after much work and collaboration with the Governor’s Construction Roundtable, has created this matrix which clarifies when and which masks are to be used on construction jobsites.
However, it is very important to note that this matrix conflicts with Phase-I rules, which require at least cloth masks at all times on the jobsite. So for now, workers on all Phase I and essential projects should still be wearing at least cloth masks for what the matrix describes as "negligible transmission risk" and "low transmission risk" situations.
The matrix provides helpful clarity for "medium-transmission risk" and "high-transmission risk" situations in which six feet of distance cannot always be maintained. Ongoing essential projects should follow these guidelines now. (Phase-I projects still must maintain social distancing at all times.)
Even though clarity on masks is a significant step, it is important to note that Phase-II projects have NOT been reopened at this time. The Construction Roundtable, upon
which I serve, will soon make a Phase-II recommendation to the Governor and that process is now made easier with clarity on mask use.
Please review the matrix carefully. While it provides clarity, there is still confusion. Bottom-line points to keep in mind include:
• Phase I and essential projects, for now, should continue to use cloth masks at all times, even though the matrix suggests otherwise. Requirements on low- and negligible-transmission risk situations will be eased in Phase II.
• Essential projects that require some close distance situations should follow mask requirements for medium- and high-transmission risk situations. Phase-I projects still require six-feet distancing at all times.
• Phase-II projects have not yet been reopened. A recommendation will soon be made by the Roundtable, but it will then be up to the Governor to decide the timing of any Phase-II reopening.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David D'Hondt Executive Vice President AGC of Washington
AGC of Washington, 1200 Westlake Avenue N, Suite 301, SEATTLE, WA 98109-3528, United States
