HBAM study shows 94% of builders have COVID-19 safety plans in place

HBAM study shows 94% of builders have COVID-19 safety plans in place
<strong>Photo by iStock</strong>

The Home Builders Association of Michigan announced results of a statewide COVID-19 safety survey, showing most builders in the state have updated guidelines in the wake of the disease.

HBAM asked those in the residential building sector whether they had developed a COVID-19 safety plan and whether they had all the necessary personal protection equipment needed to return to work. With nearly 600 respondents, HBAM reports that 94% have updated their worksite safety plans for COVID-19 and roughly 92% have the necessary PPE to work when given the green light to return to work.

“We want Gov. (Gretchen) Whitmer to know that the home building and remodeling sectors stand ready and able to return to the workplace in a safe manner,” said Bob Filka, HBAM CEO. “Although some are still struggling to find certain PPE products, our industry has been diligently preparing for a return to work. Homebuilder associations around the state have been working together to provide online training and resources for members and nonmembers alike.”

The survey also asked builders if their plans had all the elements and protocols outlined by health experts.

“Michigan’s citizens need to know and trust that the professionals working on their homes are using all the best practices when it comes to COVID-19 safety,” Filka said. “When our industry is allowed back to work, it’s important for consumers to contact a home builder association near them for referrals. Our 5,000-plus builder, remodeler and contractor members are professionals who care about their customers and work hard to do the right thing.”

The HBAM previously called on Gov. Whitmer to relax her ruling on home construction being “nonessential” infrastructure during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly while neighboring states had declared the opposite.

Filka urged HBAM members to comply with Whitmer’s order for the immediate future but also argued the governor should have a long-term plan to allow builders to continue to provide the necessary infrastructure in the event of an emergency.