Construction Industry Shows Strength, Unity in Time of Crisis


By Peter Tateishi C


risis is not new to California. From fires to floods, earth- quakes to landslides,


Californians show perseverance and resilience when facing adversity. In the midst of this global pandemic


we are rallying together once again. Our collective response is made possible thanks to everyday heroes in our lives and our communities. It’s thanks to the doctors, nurses, and medical support staff working around the clock to fight a global pandemic. Te police and fire personnel who rush to our aid when we are hurt, and comfort us in our times of need. Te unsung heroes keeping grocery stores stocked with food and supplies and the janitorial crews maintaining the health and safety of our physical spaces. It’s thanks to teachers video chatting with students and helping our families establish new routines. We’re also able to move forward


during this crisis because of the hard- working men and women that make up the construction industry. Construction ensures the systems


and the infrastructure that support these heroes are working and maintained. It’s the industry that keeps our roads, bridges, and highways safe as the state’s essential workforce gets from “point a” to “point b.” Tey’re the crews trained to move earth, build shelters, fix our roads, and do the impossible with our natural resources. Te crews who build and maintain our physical spaces like hospitals, firehouses, and schools. Te men and women working hard to build the infrastructure for phone, internet, and utility connections, and keep the millions of Californians who


are sheltering in place safe at home. And no industry is better prepared


to operate safely and effectively in this crisis than construction. Why? Because we’ve been through crisis before and our commitment to safety — for our crews and the public — is unwavering.


Construction is critical to our perseverance in the face of this crisis, the sustainability of our state, and will ensure we have a solid foundation when we emerge together, poised for a safer future.


Members of our industry are the first crews on the ground behind police, fire, and human service personnel when an emergency strikes. Tey’re moving debris and dirt to allow emergency services safe access to disaster zones. Tey’re setting up temporary housing


and infrastructure in communities rebuilding from fire. And they’re on the ground, donating time and talent to communities rebuilding across the state. Adapting to this extraordinary event


has meant enhanced safety procedures, and the construction industry continues to rise and meet it. Since stay-at-home orders were


executed across the state, the AGC of California worked diligently with our members to ensure they had access to the tools and resources necessary to operate safely and meet stricter orders. In coordination with construction


safety personnel and government officials, robust jobsite safety plans, screening protocol for construction workers, and a portfolio of other resources and online trainings were developed to keep workers, their families, and the public safe. On April 1, hundreds of thousands


of California construction workers joined in a unified “Safety Stand Down.” Tis statewide effort brought jobsite work to a halt and allowed the construction workforce to focus exclu- sively on the critical role each and every worker plays in keeping themselves and California safe. Tis unprecedented public health


crisis has required needed authority, collaboration, and the brave spirit of all Californians to move forward together. Construction is critical to our perseverance in the face of this crisis, the sustainability of our state, and will ensure we have a solid foundation when we emerge together, poised for a safer future. 


www.AGC-CA.org


Associated General Contractors of California 7


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