When we launched Building Responsibly in 2017, we wanted to create a coalition of leading engineering and construction (E&C) companies committed to promoting the rights and welfare of workers. In just under three years, we developed a common set of principles and practical implementation guidance notes that can be used by companies across the industry—from shipping yards in China to real estate development in the Middle East and road building in Africa. We also connected with a wide range of stakeholders. But most importantly, we created, among our members, a feeling of community, of common destiny that is binding us together. We have learned how to share our challenges and concerns and to support each other. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, our natural response was therefore to regroup and talk about how Building Responsibility members were affected and how they were responding to the crisis. Below are some of the insights that emerged from this discussion.
The E&C Sector Is Particularly Vulnerable to the Crisis
In many instances, non-essential construction work has been stopped, putting companies under pressure and construction workers in precarious situations. This is particularly true in countries where relief packages are limited and social safety nets insufficient or where there is a dependence on migrant labor. In some instances, however, construction continues, and guaranteeing the health and safety of construction workers remains the priority of Building Responsibly members.
You Cannot Get Anything Right If You Do Not Guarantee the Health and Safety of Workers
Large E&C companies have spent the best part of the last 30 years developing and strengthening robust programs to ensure the health and safety of workers. Building Responsibly members are therefore well prepared in this regard, and when they came together a few days into the crisis, they were able to share notes about all the practical steps they had already taken.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to ensure everyone’s safety, sharing notes in real time can help. We talked about how to provide hand sanitizers and masks on work sites; how to adapt work schedules to ensure that transport buses are not overcrowded with workers and are disinfected frequently; how to conduct daily temperature checks and (where necessary) COVID-19 tests; how to run canteen services while maintaining the required distance among workers; and how to set up dedicated quarantine zones within workers’ accommodation. It was reassuring to hear from our members operating in China that they had come through the crisis without any of their workers contracting COVID-19. However, it was equally important to learn how some companies had strengthened their medical insurance to ensure that all COVID-19 treatment costs were covered or how they had set up free psychological assistance. We also discussed how to ensure that companies working in E&C supply chains implement equally stringent health and safety requirements with their own workers.
Communication, Communication, Communication
Finally, our members discussed the importance of ensuring clear communication channels to disseminate reliable information and avoid the spread of false rumors during this challenging time. Possible solutions mentioned included: setting up daily Executive Committee meetings dedicated to the management of the COVID-19 crisis, including COVID-19 in every traditional “toolbox” meeting, and displaying low-literacy posters and ensuring that a dedicated welfare officer is in charge of relaying COVID-19 information in worker accommodation.
What Else?
In addition to reinforcing worker health and safety measures, Building Responsibly members have worked to help their staff sustain themselves during the crisis, making use of government packages or furlough programs where available. Some have also offered support in the form of payment deferrals to their business partners. It was also heartwarming to hear that some members have donated essential supplies, including masks, medicines, and food, to communities. Others have provided financial and material support to NGOs, while others have redirected their vehicles to support communities or opened up their facilities to help meet public needs.
Checklist for Contractors (Excerpt)
Prevention and Response Protocol Diagram (Excerpt)