Assessment of measures instituted to curb the spread of COVID-19 on construction site

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health issue that is ravaging every aspect of human life. Various countries, thus, institute many measures to prevent the spread of the disease among the citizenry. This article investigates measures that are put in place at construction project sites to curb the spread of COVID-19 among construction site workers. An open-ended questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect qualitative data from construction companies. A purposive sampling method was used to distribute the interview questions. The collected data were analyzed with content analysis. The findings show that most construction companies have instituted prescribed and appropriate measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 on-site. Moreover, some construction companies had implemented extra measures and developed new protocols to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on-site. However, few construction companies were lacking in the provision of some of the recommended measures. The study identified three categories of measures (i.e. screening, site access and handling of material and equipment deliveries on-site) where improvement is required. Construction companies could use the recommendations provided to improve upon the approach adopted to curb the spread of COVID-19 on-site. The study could also inform policymakers on COVID-19 measures that are unsatisfactorily implemented on site for which more attention and oversight is required. Research on construction site health and safety measures during this COVID-19 season are still being developed. Thus, this article contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in this area of study. Data were collected from grades 6 to 9 construction firms; therefore, the research findings may not be applied to smaller construction firms. A study that focuses on lower grades is recommended.