Pennsylvania construction to resume May 1
Construction in Pennsylvania is slated to resume on May 1, according to Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration.
All businesses in the construction industry are permitted to return to in-person operations next Friday, which is one week earlier than originally expected.
Other than life-sustaining businesses or those receiving an exemption to perform or support life-sustaining activities, all construction projects ceased as of March 21.
Gov. Tom Wolf
But the return to work includes a hefty list of guidelines, including requiring workers to wear safety masks or face protection, practice social distancing and work in staggered shifts.
Construction companies are also required to provide hand wash stations, implement stringent cleaning, limit tool sharing and conduct more virtual meetings, among other protocols.
“My administration has taken measured, aggressive steps to protect public health and safety, including strictly limiting the types of businesses and projects that may continue to operate during this unprecedented time,” Wolf said. “Thankfully, these actions are working, and we are flattening the curve.”
The regulations were developed from guidance created by the General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania and provides additional direction for residential, commercial and public construction projects.
For instance, residential construction projects may not permit more than four individuals on the job site at any time, not including individuals who require temporary access to the site and are not directly engaged in the construction activity.
“As we start to take steps to reopen the state, we recognize that the construction industry is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy and may operate safely with stringent guidance in place that will protect employees and the public,” Wolf said.
According to Wolf, local governments can elect to impose more stringent requirements than those contained in the guidance.
Businesses that have questions about whether the latest guidance applies to them can contact the state Department of Labor and Industry at [email protected].
Frank Cicero, chief operating officer at 84 Lumber, applauded the state's move and a much-needed return to work for home builders and contractors.
"This is great news for our customers," Cicero said via a Linkedin post. "Time to start building."
All businesses in the construction industry are permitted to return to in-person operations next Friday, which is one week earlier than originally expected.
Other than life-sustaining businesses or those receiving an exemption to perform or support life-sustaining activities, all construction projects ceased as of March 21.

But the return to work includes a hefty list of guidelines, including requiring workers to wear safety masks or face protection, practice social distancing and work in staggered shifts.
Construction companies are also required to provide hand wash stations, implement stringent cleaning, limit tool sharing and conduct more virtual meetings, among other protocols.
“My administration has taken measured, aggressive steps to protect public health and safety, including strictly limiting the types of businesses and projects that may continue to operate during this unprecedented time,” Wolf said. “Thankfully, these actions are working, and we are flattening the curve.”
The regulations were developed from guidance created by the General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania and provides additional direction for residential, commercial and public construction projects.
For instance, residential construction projects may not permit more than four individuals on the job site at any time, not including individuals who require temporary access to the site and are not directly engaged in the construction activity.
“As we start to take steps to reopen the state, we recognize that the construction industry is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy and may operate safely with stringent guidance in place that will protect employees and the public,” Wolf said.
According to Wolf, local governments can elect to impose more stringent requirements than those contained in the guidance.
Businesses that have questions about whether the latest guidance applies to them can contact the state Department of Labor and Industry at [email protected].
Frank Cicero, chief operating officer at 84 Lumber, applauded the state's move and a much-needed return to work for home builders and contractors.
"This is great news for our customers," Cicero said via a Linkedin post. "Time to start building."