How Abstract Homes & Renovations is preparing its construction company during Covid-19.
As with any safety measures, Abstract Homes & Renovations is reminding its workers how to minimize risk on the job site.
FOLLOW THE PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES
First and foremost, they are limiting and restricting people working in close proximity to each other, as per the regulations set out by the Provincial Health Officer. Sandro Stefanucci says ‘it’s actually fairly easy to do on a single-family home building site. That being said, we’ve communicated with the trades and workers who have loved ones at home or parents who may be immune-compromised and just aren’t wanting to risk possible exposure, they have the option to stay home depending on their tasks.’
CROSS TRAIN
Cheri Stefanucci adds ‘In preparation for increased absenteeism, we’ve always cross-trained our employees to handle multiple functions. Tak does a good job at pretty much everything Sandro assigns him, and the rest of our trades are all very competent when it comes to jumping in and getting work done, even if certain tasks don’t fall within their jurisdiction.’
COMMUNICATE
Cheri continues, ‘the important thing to do for us right now is to communicate all the potential impacts on schedules. Managing expectations between our crew and our clients when we have an issue with a handful of people staying home, and the anticipated delays.
It could be the case that in the near-future a project owner will say that the risk is too great to continue work if the site is near to where there are more cases, or close to a medical facility or an area where the exposure risk is high. Owners understand what’s going on right now. Everyone is talking on a daily basis. Most of our owners no longer visit the job site, preferring to received updates via phone or online through our project management software.
SUPPLY CHAIN
Abstract Homes & Renovations is confident all of their trades and suppliers are doing their part to stay safe and abide by advised health precautions set out by the province, and do their work sites. The main concern is the potential for delays in the supply chain of materials. Sandro reports ‘All trades and suppliers we’re dealing with so far haven’t had any disruptions. People are still working, providing the same service and speed as usual. We’re very grateful for this. However, certain supplies could be disrupted, and all we can do is prepare for this, knowing there could be certain ramifications such as higher costs, the collapse of strategic partnerships, logistics breakdowns and possible legal squabbles as parties debate whether contracts may provide “force majeure” relief.
This is a worst-case scenario and we really hope it doesn’t come down to this. We’re continuing to run our daily operations as we normally do at this time. Thankfully, the construction industry has been deemed by the federal government as an ‘essential service’ and we agree wholeheartedly.’
SOME GREAT NEWS!
At least to end things off on a REALLY good note though, Sandro and Cheri are so very proud to announce the arrival of their very first grandbaby this month! Their eldest daughter Cassie and her husband Christian have welcomed their first born! Their beautiful new grandson Everett arrived March 20th, weighing in at 9lbs 7 oz (yes ladies we all just gulped!). Now more than ever it’s important to keep everyone safe and healthy and practicing hand washing and social distancing! Cheri will be staying with mom and baby until its safe to fly back from Toronto, so in the meantime, it’s remote work for Abstract HQ!
