TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 2

2.0 PROBLEM ISSUES .......................................................................................................... 4

2.1 PROJECT DELAYS AND WORKER INFECTIONS ............................................... 4

2.2 BALANCING SAFETY AND PROJECT TIMELINES ............................................ 4

2.3 EMPLOYEE ISOLATION VS. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS .............................. 5

3.0 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 5

4.0 DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................................... 6

4.1 PROJECT DELAYS AND WORKER INFECTIONS ............................................... 6

4.2 BALANCING SAFETY AND PROJECT TIMELINES ............................................ 7

4.3 EMPLOYEE ISOLATION VS. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS .............................. 7

5.0 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 9

REFERENCES....................................................................................................................... 10
 ABSTRACT

This case study examines the challenges faced by a construction project that was delayed due
to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent infection of some of the workers. The project manager
had to worry about the prospect of an official quarantine order, the risk of losing the contract, and the
workers' health and safety. The project manager's choices and actions to lessen the crises' effects and
guarantee the project's completion are examined in this case study. The case study also addresses the
ethical and legal consequences of keeping the client and authorities in silence about the workers'
infection status. The case study offers suggestions and lessons learned for upcoming projects in
comparable circumstances by consulting the literature on crisis management, project management,
and Covid-19 guidelines.

This case study also explores the ethical dilemma that a project manager encountered when
they received orders from their employer to keep a worker quiet about a coworker who tested positive
for COVID-19, avoid informing the authorities of the worker's condition, and carry on with company
operations as usual. The employer argued that by not closing the project site for quarantine, they
would not have to pay a late fine (LAD). The topic is examined from the viewpoints of utilitarianism,
deontology, and virtue ethics in this paper, which also assesses the possible outcomes of various
options. In the conclusion, the project manager would make the most ethical and socially responsible
choice if they disclosed the employee's condition and complied with public health regulations.

Keywords: Covid-19, construction project, crisis management, project management, ethics, law.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The world is facing the deadly coronavirus, which is better known as the COVID-19
outbreak. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world economy, and the
construction industry is among the most affected in its productivity and supply chain. At the
time of this writing on 30 July 2021, Malaysia has recorded 1,095,486 confirmed cases and
8859 deaths (KKM daily report on COVID-19 via MySejahtera), and the highest number of
daily cases was recorded on 29 July 2021, with 17,170 confirmed cases. From March 2021 to
June 2021, the daily number of confirmed cases ranged between 4000–6000 cases and can be
seen in Figure 1. There were various Standard Operation procedures (SOP) introduced to curb
this pandemic. The government has imposed Movement Control Orders (MCO) nationwide as
a preventive measure to circumvent the pandemic.

Figure 1: Daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Malaysia between March and June 2021 as
reported by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

The construction industry plays an important role in Malaysian economic development

and growth. There would be a significant impact on the economy if the construction projects
are being delayed. The alarming situation impacting the construction industry badly includes
road projects, buildings, and infrastructure projects. Shared accommodation at a construction
site was identified as one of the causes of the spread of COVID-19 at project sites. The
economic growth was affected as almost all of the construction projects experience critical
delays. The Movement of Control Order (MCO) and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
imposed by the Malaysian Government restrict the construction activity from operating in full
swing. The contractor had since encountered financial problems, a shortage of materials, a lack
of manpower, as well as losses due to the pandemic outbreaks.

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 The selection of Sabah as a case study is based on the employee infected with COVID-
19 of projects delays during the pandemic under JKR Sabah (Public Works Department Sabah).
as ilustrated in figure 2 In order to reduce the impact, governments and employers have
encouraged workers to work from home. With a nationwide lockdown imposed by the
government, people were made to stay at home except for those in essential services. This
posed a major dilemma to the construction projects in Malaysia, where construction site
activity simply cannot operate or work from home. The workers will not be paid if they do not
turn up on site for work. In addition, the construction industry also experiences a shortage of
material and manpower as most construction employee. Therefore, it is important to find out
practices that can be adopted by the construction industry to respond to this challenging time.
The findings are expected to be useful for the construction industry’s survival, preserving the
job security and maintaining the construction progress as well as productivity in anticipation
of future pandemic reoccurrences.

Figure 2: Project delays and the trend of project delays during the pandemic.

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2.0 PROBLEM ISSUES

Construction site supervision is a highly changeable environment full of problems

requiring flexibility and ethics. This essay will tackle the complicated case of a site-supervisor
who managed to get the job of looking after the Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Sabah in the rural
area. It however emerges that the supervisor is not merely a coordinator in construction
activities but one who navigates through the fine juncture between project completion timelines
and human welfare. These findings illustrate the complexity of making decisions regarding the
ethical dilemma that developed as a result of delays in a project already affected by COVID-
19 infection among workers.

2.1 PROJECT DELAYS AND WORKER INFECTIONS

As the project has been experiencing delays, a new problem appears unexpected –
workers getting infected with COVID-19, thereby bringing the supervisor at the center of the
ongoing crisis.However, the project is already plagued by delays. In addition, the supervisor
finds themselves in the eye of a storm in a period where COVID 19 has spread like wildfire
within the workforce.

The site of construction that was alive with movement is now a showcase of the
uncertainty that characterizes major undertakings. Unexpectedly, this turn is not only
dangerous for previously approved schedules and terms of reference but also makes the
supervisor’s duties exceed the limits of construction industry control. The need for addressing
both project delays and the healthiness of workers creates an opening for a series of critical
decisions and forms the backbone of the underlying ethical dilemma.

2.2 BALANCING SAFETY AND PROJECT TIMELINES

The construction site supervisor has a moral conundrum amidst the backdrop of project
setbacks and possible legal issues. This becomes a crucial issue of concern with the employer’s
directions compelling it not to report to the relevant authorities and to isolate with the infected
employee. Late fine (LAD) for project site closure is a looming specter which comes into
collision with the inherent function of the supervisor, who is responsible for the health and life
of the employees. At this ethical crossroad one looks more into the delicately balanced
obligations of lawful duties, corporate interests, and the primary responsibility of protecting
the health of the supervised. The essence of this ethical dilemma is the complexity associated
with it and the need for a sensitive resolution.

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 2.3 EMPLOYEE ISOLATION VS. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

The workforce safety becomes of extreme concern to the construction site supervisor
who has to balance these needs with meeting of tight deadlines. The situation adds to the ethical
dilemma as companies’ workers face the imminent threat of the complete quarantine of the
project site and mandatory Covid tests for all the workers. The story evolves into an intricate
analysis of the balancing act required to achieve this uncharted territory, whereby the
supervisor has to maintain health for the workforce and keep up with project targets. The crux
of the supervisor’s ethical dilemma is this elaborate tango between safety policies and work
pressures.

3.0 METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted on the problem issus projects, where the problem issus to
determine the action seriousness of the pandemic’s impact on the construction, especially for
the ongoing projects. The questionnaires were sent to the employer, the employer involved with
the project under JKR supervision.

As a Figure 3 illustrates the research frameworks as a guideline to the researcher so that

the research can be conducted systematically and following the research methods and research
stages. First, the research needs to do an introduction.after that, define the problem issues of
why thereport needed. Then, this chapter 3 of the study is methodoligy.The important thing is
the discussion where it is yo determine action based on the problem issues in chapter1. Finally,
the conclusion and recommendation from the study are tabled. The respondents of the study
were the construction players currently involved with projects affected by the COVID-19
pandemic. Their experience during the pandemic is useful to make the study more relevant,
and the results of the study can later be used as preparation if a similar situation arises in the
future.

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 Figure 3: study methodology flow chart

4.0 DISCUSSION

Organizations around the globe must reconcile project objectives and employee health
and safety in the wake of this pandemic. This essay delves into three interconnected aspects of
this delicate balancing act: dealing with project delays and workforce infections in seeking a
balance between safety precautions and timeliness of projects, taking into account the intricate
connection between employee isolation and reporting mandates.

4.1 PROJECT DELAYS AND WORKER INFECTIONS

First things first, prioritize the health and safety of the workers. Ensure that those who
have contracted Covid-19 are receiving the necessary medical attention and support. Then,
consider revisiting the project timeline with a realistic perspective. It might be necessary to
adjust deadlines and expectations given the unforeseen circumstances.

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 Communication is key. Keep the project stakeholders informed about the situation, the
steps being taken to address it, and any adjustments to the timeline. Transparency can help
manage expectations and build trust.

Explore ways to mitigate the impact of delays, such as reallocating resources, adjusting
tasks, or bringing in additional support if possible. Flexibility is crucial during challenging
times.

Lastly, learn from the situation. Once things stabilize, assess what led to the delays and
worker infections. This can inform future project planning and risk management strategies.

4.2 BALANCING SAFETY AND PROJECT TIMELINES

Prioritizing both safety and project timelines is crucial. Start by implementing strict
safety protocols to minimize the risk of infections. This might include regular testing, enforcing
mask-wearing, and maintaining social distancing on the project site.

Consider creating contingency plans for potential site quarantines. This could involve
having backup teams or resources ready to step in if necessary. It's better to be over-prepared
than caught off guard.

Collaborate with project stakeholders to reassess and, if needed, adjust project

timelines. While meeting deadlines is important, the health and well-being of the workforce
should take precedence. Negotiate realistic expectations and possibly stagger project
milestones to accommodate safety measures.

Lastly, seek input from the team. They might have valuable insights into how to balance
safety and productivity. It's a challenging situation, but with careful planning and a
collaborative approach, it's possible to find a reasonable balance.

4.3 EMPLOYEE ISOLATION VS. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

Balancing employee isolation and reporting obligations is indeed a tricky situation.

First and foremost, adhere to the employer's instructions regarding isolation protocols. This is
crucial for the safety of the infected employee and the rest of the workforce.

Simultaneously, consider the legal and health obligations of reporting Covid-19 cases to the
authorities. Failure to report may lead to legal consequences and can have broader public health
implications.

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 Communicate openly with the infected employee, explaining the necessity of reporting
cases for the greater good. Emphasize that it's not only a legal obligation but also a measure to
protect the health of the community.

If there are concerns about potential repercussions for the employee, work with HR or
legal counsel to find ways to protect their privacy while still fulfilling reporting obligations.
Many jurisdictions have specific guidelines on how to handle such situations while respecting
individual privacy rights.

In navigating this dilemma, transparency and collaboration are key. Balancing legal
obligations, health concerns, and individual rights requires careful consideration and
consultation with relevant experts within the organization

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5.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, prioritizing health and safety in the workplace are not only a legal and
ethical obligation, but also a smart business decision. By creating a safe and healthy work
environment, employers can protect their workers from harm, increase their productivity and
satisfaction, and enhance their reputation and profitability. To achieve this, employers need to
have a clear and enforceable health and safety policy, designate a competent person to oversee
and manage health and safety issues, and conduct regular risk assessments to identify and
control potential hazards. By following these best practices, employers can cultivate a positive
safety culture that benefits everyone involved. It helps to improve the quality and efficiency of
the project work, as it reduces the risks of accidents, errors, and rework. Next, identify and
assess the potential risks and hazards that could affect the project safety and timeline, and plan
for mitigation and contingency measures. Plus, we can monitor and track the progress and
performance of the project work, and adjust the priorities and resources as needed, based on
the feedback and changes in the environment. Lastly, cooperation, productivity, and mental
health may all suffer from employee isolation. Employers ought to take proactive measures to
prevent and lessen isolation, like giving wellness initiatives and flexible work schedules, as
well as constant communication, encouragement, and feedback. Employers, workers, and other
stakeholders must take a proactive and cooperative stance in order to strike a balance between
employee isolation and reporting requirements. To choose the best solutions for their particular
circumstances, employers should confer with the employees and their representatives, as well
as with the appropriate authorities and specialists. Employers must also keep an eye on the
results of their initiatives, assess their efficacy, and make any changes that are required.

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