Construction Guidelines

for
Project Implementation
during the period of Public
Health Emergency
CIV622M
Ereen Jenicka B. Alvarez
Introduction
 March 8, 2020 – President Rodrigo Duterte declared a State of Health
emergency throughout the entire Philippines (Proclamation No. 922)
recognizing the threats of COVID-19 outbreak.
 March 16, 2020- the President placed the entire Luzon under Enhanced
Community Quarantine (ECQ) until April 14, 2020.
 April 7, 2020- Upon the recommendation of Inter-Agency Task Force on
Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF), ECQ extended until April 30, 2020.
 April 23, 2020- IATF recommended that guidelines be issued by different
government agencies to provide policy directions for the public and
stakeholders in complying with the government regulations.

Executive Order No. (E.O.) 168, created the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to
facilitate inter-sectoral collaboration to establish preparedness and ensure efficient government response to assess, monitor, contain,
control, and prevent the spread of any potential epidemic in the Philippines;
Section 2(c) of E.O. 168 mandates the IATF to prevent and/or minimize the local spread of emerging infectious diseases in the country through
the establishment or reinforcement of a system in screening possible patients infected with emerging infectious diseases, contact tracing,
identification of the mode of exposure to the virus, and implementation of effective quarantine and proper isolation procedures
Introduction
 Estimates showed that around four million construction workers were
affected by the pandemic.
 Construction industry players would like to focus on preventing the
occurrence of and controlling the spread of the virus in the workplace. A
single case can lead to an interruption, if not total work stoppage.
 Total stoppage from the ECQ time had debilitating effects not just on
workers who are mostly project based (paid on a daily basis) but also on
contractors majority or 80% whom are small and medium enterprises.
Presentation of Facts and Figures

Figure 1. COVID-19 cases as of Nov. 14, 2021

Presentation of Facts and Figures

Figure 2. Summary of COVID-19 cases as of Nov. 14,

2021
Presentation of Facts and Figures

Figure 3. Cases by Demographic

Presentation of Facts and Figures

Figure 5. Evolution of Philippines Pandemic

Lockdown in Luzon and Visayas
Presentation of Facts and Figures

Figure 5. Evolution of Philippines Pandemic

Lockdown in Mindanao
Applied/ Related Laws, Rules,
Regulations
 IATF Omnibus Guidelines for the Implementation of Community Quarantine
in the Philippines
Modified Modified
Enhanced General
Enhanced General
Community Community New Normal
Community Community
Quarantine Quarantine
Quarantine Quarantine

 DTI and DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of

COVID-19 ( April 30, 2020)– used to assist private institutions that are
allowed to operate in developing minimum health protocols and standards. It
shall apply to all workplaces, employers and workers in the private sector
 DOH Interim Guidelines on the Return-to-Work (May 11, 2020)
 DPWH Construction Safety Guidelines for the Implementation of
Infrastructure Projects During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis (April 4,
2020. Revised March 29, 2021)
Types of Construction Projects that may be implemented pursuant to the
revised Omnibus Guidelines for the Implementation of Community
Quarantine in the Philippines

ECQ and MECQ (Essential Public and Private

GCQ and MGCQ
Construction Projects)
• Health, quarantine, or isolation facilities
• Facilities for health sector workers
• Vaccination centers or facilities/ infrastructure necessary for the • All public and private
supply, distribution, and administration of vaccines projects
• Facilities for construction personnel who perform emergency works
• Educational facilities and government structures
• Sewerage projects, water facilities projects and digital works
• Priority infrastructure projects which shall include roads, bridges, flood
control and Active Transport Facilities
• Priority private infrastructure projects: food production, agriculture,
fisheries, energy, housing, communication, water utilities,
manufacturing and business process outsourcing (BPO)
• Small-Scale Projects shall not be allowed. These are construction
projects intended for private and personal use.
TWG Construction Guidelines for Project
Implementation during the Period of Public
Health Emergency (June 9, 2020)
 Technical Working Group (TWG) drafted “Construction Guidelines for Project Implementation
during the Period of Public Health Emergency” in preparation for resumption of work in
areas under quarantine
 To present options or courses of actions which contractors may consider depending on
applicability to the project’s unique characteristics while maintaining minimum
requirements based on guidelines by government authorities
 Purpose
The guidelines will set key principles and minimum requirements that define responsible,
healthy and safe operations for construction related operations under COVID-19 and ensure the
survival of business as well as the protection of workers.
 Scope / Coverage
The guidelines will include prevention, detection, and rapid response measures designed to
achieve the principles above while maintaining business continuity across the construction
industry.
 The TWG considered four (4) major components of the project cycle, namely;
Materials, Manpower, Machinery and Money or the 4Ms of construction
 Materials
 Deliveries must be carefully planned and monitored
 Transition and delivery zones are identified and limited to
select personnel, i.e., receivers and deliverers.
 As much as possible, cargo is unloaded only by the
receivers, while the deliverers do not leave their vehicles.
If the receivers are not enough to unload the cargo, the
deliverers must unload while the receiver has to wait at a
secured distance until completed.
 All cargo should undergo proper disinfection procedures
before use. Likewise, involved staff should also be properly
disinfected before entering the jobsite.
Manpower
I. Awareness and Communication
 Active communication between the workers, safety officers, site supervisors, and
management is advised in planning and implementing the protocols.
 Infographics (may adopt DOH’s), signages, and posters on health and safety measures must
be posted at entry points and strategic areas (Daily updates on the latest developments, Self-
screening measures, COVID-19 Hotline)
 As much as possible, all workers should exercise the practices for reducing the risk of
transmission, and proper hygiene as identified by the DOH:
1. Social distancing [at least one (1) meter distance from next person].
2. Proper handwashing using anti-bacterial soap (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when
unavailable).
3. Avoid contact with own eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Prohibit spitting.
5. Covering of mouth with tissue or arm (if tissue is unavailable) when sneezing or coughing.
6. Use and remove PPE with care.
7. Do not share personal belongings such as phones, pens, PPEs.
8. Avoid physical greetings (e.g. handshakes, hugs).
Manpower
I. Awareness and Communication
 All workers’ status on-site and off-site, are properly noted at all
times by the safety officers. (Fit to work, Sick, High temperature,
other conditions)
 An acceptable level of health evaluation is properly communicated
between new hires and management.
 All workers would need to provide their location or place of
residence prior to working. This is to help create a proper algorithm
for contact tracing.
 Additionally, workers coming from COVID-19 hotspots would need to
be identified.
 Quarantined workers should also be kept track of under strict
confidentiality and privacy.
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Manpower
II. Clearing for Return to Work
 Qualification criteria for employees/workers:
1. Must be 21 to 59-year-old, without pre-existing health conditions,
such as, but not limited to, immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or
other health risks. Employees or consultants who are 60-year-old or
above may be part of the workforce for construction project
2. Must have no COVID 19 symptoms.
Manpower
II. Clearing for Return to Work
 Screening and entry at construction site.
1. The most important screening step is checking
all returning workers for symptoms within
the last 14 days and excluding anyone who is
symptomatic.
2. Returning workers that do not show any
symptoms will be quarantined for 14 days
within the jobsite and will be allowed to
work under a zoned or grouped area.
3. Those who have been living/confined in the
barracks during ECQ/GCQ period for at least
14 days and with no symptoms, will be
allowed to work immediately.
Manpower
II. Clearing for Return to Work
4. The use of non-contact thermal scanners on ALL personnel upon entry
to construction premises will be implemented.
5. Employers shall provide the DOLE through its Regional Office copy
furnished DOH, monthly report of illness, diseases and injuries utilizing
the DOLE Work Accident/Illness Report Form (WAIR)
Manpower
III. Suspected/ Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
 Any individual exhibiting flu-like symptoms should not report to work.
Instead, they should do the following:
Contact proper
Alert Safety health authorities
Self Isolate
Officers for additional
guidance

 Employees/workers, who had the COVID-19 virus, should do the following

before reporting to work:
Fulfill adequate Receive proper
time for self- medical
Test negative for
quarantining as clearance, before
COVID-19
recommended by reporting for
DOH work.
 Manpower
III. Suspected/ Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
 In the event of a worker contracting COVID-19 while working, the
management should do the following:

Isolate worker in a Gather records of all

Gather info on who
separate well- Contact local who have worked with Provide COVID-19
have been in location
ventilated holding government and and who tested testing to all close
or shared equipment
area (site isolation health authorities positive within four contact
with the person
room) weeks

Inform wider
Be ready to present
Follow any additional Clean and disinfect all workforce of the
the information to
directions from LGU site surfaces and situation while
appropriate
and health authorities equipment protecting the privacy
authorities
of individual

 The safety officer should have a knowledge on the proximate hospitals or quarantine facilities to
ensure that in the event of a COVID-19 incident, workers can be given proper healthcare.
Manpower
IV. Proper Work Attire
 All workers must wear the prescribed clothing of the DOLE-OSHC:
1. Shirt with sleeves
2. Pants
3. Closed-toe boots
4. Hard hat
5. High visibility vest
6. Other necessary Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. face masks,
gloves, goggles, face shields, etc.) shall be prescribed based on
specific characteristics of project.
 As per the DOH, all workers are expected to wear proper face masks.
Manpower
V. Social Distancing and Precautionary Measures
 Provision of dedicated point-to-point shuttle service (residence-
workplace-residence and compliant with social distancing).
 Provision of On-/Near-Site accommodations/barracks
1. This can be achieved either by providing additional
space/facilities or by having occupants work (and sleep) in
shifts.
2. Segregate employees/workers who are coming back to work
from those who originally stayed in the barracks during the ECQ
period.
3. Barracks should have at least one (1) meter of physical distance
from each occupant and/or provision of a physical barrier in
between occupants.
4. Should be well ventilated / windows opened to allow fresh air
circulation.
Manpower
V. Social Distancing and Precautionary Measures
 Social distancing should be observed at site and office
1. Split/alternating shifts
2. Breaks should be staggered
3. Individuals are expected to clean up their own areas after eating with proper
disinfectants.
4. Limit the number of people operating or occupying freight elevators.
5. Site meetings:
a) Only absolutely necessary meeting participants should attend.
b) Attendees should be one (1) meter apart from each other.
c) Rooms should be well ventilated / windows opened to allow fresh air circulation.
d) Hold meetings in open areas where possible.
e) Conduct toolbox meetings in wide open spaces to enable workers to keep the
required physical distance of at least one (1) meter.
f) Meetings are to be held through teleconferencing or videoconferencing, where
possible.
Manpower
VI. Site Operations/ Construction Work Site
 Access and Movement to/from Construction Site
1. If possible, establish one-way staircases and walkways to
minimize workers’ contact.
2. All people entering and exiting the workplace should be
registered, for easier contact tracing in the event of an
outbreak.
3. All non-essential workers are prohibited from entering the
jobsite.
 If possible, divide the construction site into zones or other
methods to keep workers physically separated.
Manpower
VI. Site Operations/ Construction Work Site
 Construction Site Cleaning
1. Regular disinfection of workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations.
2. All offices and jobsites should disinfect the following at least twice per day:
Door handles, Railings, Ladders, Switches, Controls, Shared equipment,
Common and eating areas, Personal workstations
 Suggested additional sanitary measures to be implemented/installed on site
but are not limited to the following:
1. Proper handwashing areas and hand washing protocol.
2. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer shall be provided in all department areas,
entrances, canteens, beside hand punch machines and other facilities.
3. Disinfectant wiping products.
4. Footwear disinfection treatment units (foot baths) before entering site
premises or facilities
 A proper waste and disposal area must be provided, as well as proper disposal
of contaminated products.
Manpower
VII. Additional Guidelines for Vertical and Horizontal
Projects
 If possible, all construction workers are to be housed in either on-site
barracks, or off-site barracks. This would make monitoring of workers’
activities easier.
1. All workers must use the same vehicles they came into work in, if returning
to the off-site barracks.
2. All vehicles would need to be disinfected, before being ready for use the
next day.
 Management can also look into using the floors of buildings, as barracks,
with proper permission of the owners.
Machinery

 All equipment deliveries must be carefully planned,

monitored and managed
 All delivered equipment must be cleaned and disinfected
before use
 Assign regular worker to use the equipment, if possible. If
sharing cannot be prevented, take precautions and follow the
cleaning guide before and after each use.
 Clean equipment before and after each day’s work with a
disinfectant, concentrating on points of contact such as
handles.
Money
 Contracting parties need to discuss, before resumption or
start of work, contract provisions on:
1. Payments, Variations and Timelines considering the effects
of current government health and safety standards that
have to be complied with to prevent the spread of the
coronavirus pandemic and ensure workers’ protection from
the contagious disease.
2. Contractors’ concern on cash flow, price escalation, time
extensions and productivity will need to be established and
agreed with project owners. Contractors need to devise
project implementation plan aligned with government
approved health and safety protocols.
Money

 Pursuant to Section 21 of DOLE D.O. 198, s. 2018, “The total

cost of implementing a OSH program shall be an integral
part of the operations cost. It shall be a separate pay item in
construction and in all contracting or subcontracting
arrangements.” to cover the cost inflected during this Public
Health Emergency. These costs include, but are not limited, to
testing kits; personal protective equipment; workers’
barracks; quarantine facilities; isolation rooms;
disinfectants; sanitation equipment and facilities; and other
expenses relative to compliance with safety and health
standards during construction.
Money

 Construction companies should expect to deal with

heightened safety and health guidelines until such time that
the pandemic has fully been eradicated, and:
1. Analyze contract requirements;
2. Comply with contractual notice requirements;
3. Adapt and Adjust schedule;
4. Coordinate and Cooperate with all participants; and
5. Have proper documentation
Analysis and Evaluation
 Construction is a very complex discipline that involves processes and large
number of manpower. Through the four (4) major components of the project
cycle considered by TWG namely: Money, Manpower, Machinery and Money,
they were able to identify the guidelines needed for each component.
 Having these guidelines divided and organized into these parts made it easier
to understand.
 Maintaining social distancing, proper handwashing, disinfection, proper use of
face mask, honest accomplishment of COVID-19 Health Checklist Form,
completing days of quarantine or perform testing when required. These are
some of the important practices that should be observed to prevent the
outbreak of this virus.
 Cooperation and coordination of all people especially the workers who are the
majority is the key for the successful implementation of these guidelines.
Problems and Gaps Identified/ Recommendations
 Having safety officers to monitor the health and compliance of workers to the guidelines is not
enough. Train construction workers on:
1. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and an explanation of how the disease is potentially spread,
including the fact that infected people can spread the virus even if they do not have symptoms.
2. All policies and procedures that are applicable to the employee's duties as they relate to potential
exposures to SARS-CoV-2. It is helpful to provide employees with a written copy of those standard
operating procedures.
3. Appropriate cleaning practices (i.e., washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds, or, if soap and water are not immediately available, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
that contains at least 60% alcohol and rubbing hands until they are dry; sanitizing all surfaces
workers will touch).
4. Alternatives to shaking hands upon entry, and the importance of workers not touching their own
faces (mouth, nose, eyes).
5. The types, proper use, limitations, location, handling, decontamination, removal, and disposal of
any PPE being used.
6. Wearing masks over their noses and mouths to prevent them from spreading the virus.
7. Using approved cleaning chemicals that have label claims against the coronavirus for cleaning
frequently touched surfaces like tools, handles, and machines.
Problems and Gaps Identified
 Since workers are paid on a daily basis, they will not receive any salary for a 14-day
quarantine when required. Because of this, some of the workers are not honest in
their health declaration if they have any symptoms or close contact to a positive
case.
 Some projects especially the non-priority projects like hotels/ condominiums choose
to just delay the project and just wait for a more relaxed guidelines to avoid the
high additional cost. Therefore results to the loss of jobs.

Recommendations
 Assistance of the government in diverting workers from projects that stopped due to
ECQ.
 Assistance of the government/ contractors to workers who will receive no salary
because of required days of quarantine or isolation.
Impact to Civil Engineering/
Construction Industry
 Impacts include:
1. schedule delays
2. workforce disruptions
3. equipment and supply chain disruptions
4. reduced productivity due to on site health and safety measures (e.g.,
social distancing, staggering of work, enhanced sanitary measures,
etc.)
5. permit delays or restrictions on new permits
6. financing restrictions or cash flow shortages
Impact to Civil Engineering/
Construction Industry
 The Philippine construction industry continues to be severely affected by the
disruption caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 The industry had been the fastest growing in the Asia-Pacific before the pandemic,
recording growth of 9.1% in real terms in 2019, following growth of 14.9% in 2018.
 However, following a sharp contraction of 30.3% in 2020, construction output fell in
Q1 2021, falling by 27.2%, due to the impact of containment measures on the
progress of construction projects across much of the country.

 GlobalData expects the Philippine construction industry to record growth of 21.9%

in 2021, with output surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
 In 2022, the industry is projected to register growth of 14.9%, and then expand by
an annual average rate of 7.8% over the remainder of the forecast period (2023-
2025). Government programs promoting the development of affordable housing,
transport and renewable energy infrastructure are expected to continue to support
the expansion of the industry in the coming years.
References

 COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolutions |
Department of Health website. (2020). Doh.gov.ph. https://doh.gov.ph/COVID-19/IATF-Resolutions
 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health Interim Guidelines on the Return-to-Work. (2020).
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health-update/dm2020-0220.pdf
 DTI and DOLE INTERIM GUIDELINES ON WORKPLACE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COVID-19 | Department
of Labor and Employment. (2020). Www.dole.gov.ph. https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dti-and-dole-interim-
guidelines-on-workplace-prevention-and-control-of-covid-19/
 Construction Guidelines for Project Implementation during the period of Public Health Emergency. (2020.).
https://ciap.dti.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/Final%20Construction%20Guidelines%20for%20Project
%20Implementation%20%289%20June%202020%29.pdf
 COVID-19 - Control and Prevention - Construction Work | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
(n.d.). Www.osha.gov. https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/control-prevention/construction#engineering
 Construction in Philippines - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2025 (Q2 2021). (2021, June 21).
Marketpublishers.com. https://marketpublishers.com/report/industry/construction/construction-in-
philippines-key-trends-n-opportunities-to-2025-q2-2021.html
 Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICWORKSAND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Manila. (2021). https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/filefield_paths/DO_030_s2021.pdf