Keeping Our Economy Moving, Safely

Across industries and regions, the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting life as we know it. Its effects will echo through our economy for years to come. At Miller-Valentine Group, we are using this opportunity to BUILD CERTAINTY.  We are studying industry projections, researching market trends, and applying evidence-based best practices to help our clients navigate the unknowns and plan for the future.

The construction industry is a catalyst for growth—and not just because it creates thousands of high-paying jobs. From medical centers, government buildings and schools to manufacturing facilities, retail, housing and more, we build the infrastructure that forms the cornerstones of our economy.

So it’s no surprise that many states consider construction “essential” and therefore exempt from stay-at-home orders. For example, Ohio’s state-at-home order lists critical trades as an essential business and operation, and it classifies construction as “essential infrastructure.” At the federal level, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) lists “working construction” in its “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list.

While we are proud to keep our economy moving during these uncertain times, the safety and well-being of our Associates and trade partners remain our top priority.

Safeguarding our Associates’ Health and Well-Being

To flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we implemented a work from home policy for office personnel on March 17.

For our field operations, we have adopted a COVID-19 policy based on guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and state departments of health.  Our requirements include:

• Maintaining 6 feet of spacing between field workers when possible
• Moving meetings outside or online when possible
• Limiting one person to a vehicle or equipment when possible
• Disinfecting all commonly touched areas at least twice a day and sanitizing shared vehicles, tools, and equipment after each use
• Maintaining a daily cleaning log to ensure proper sanitizing is maintained
• Providing and requiring the use of face coverings for all of our Associates

We have also implemented a self-assessment program and developed steps to take if field personnel exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have come into contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19.

Maintaining Open Lines of Communication

Making ongoing adjustments to existing policies is essential given the fluid nature of the epidemic, evolving facts, and revisions to state and federal guidelines. That’s why we’re striving to support our Associates in every way we can—whether they are implementing new safety protocols in the field or suddenly adding homeschooling to their workload.

We are also working hard to stay in constant communication with our workforce. Ensuring every Associate is familiar with our protocols is a first, important step. It takes the guesswork out of what to do and ensures we are being consistent in our approach to maintaining safe worksites. Frequent company-wide Zoom meetings, e-mail communications, and an electronic safety suggestion portal keep our Associates connected even as we socially distance. In addition, I recently hosted a virtual Q&A meeting during which Associates could ask me COVID-19 and safety-related questions. This session was a great opportunity to address any concerns our Associates may be experiencing, as well as encourage our entire team that our strategy and mission remains the same – Build Dreams. Change Lives.

Innovation, creative thinking, dedication to safety, and resilience are deeply rooted in our culture, and we will continue to draw upon these resources as we navigate through these challenging times.  We remain committed to our clients and our passion to build.  Our team members are available to answer questions or discuss your next project. Please do not hesitate to give us a call!

But, first and foremost, Stay Safe!

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