17 Jun Laying a New Foundation
The construction industry employs an astounding seven million people, nationwide. As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic as a part of this group, we are learning how to adjust our standard operations to accommodate the fact that we, along with the rest of the world, are not immune.
“The nature of our business requires us to work closely with customers, sub-contractors, government entities and inspectors from start to finish,” said Dwight Miller, President of Gillis Gilkerson. “Therein lies the challenge. We’re taking CDC protocol very seriously— the health of our team and community is our top priority.”
Gillis Gilkerson did not hesitate to make some big changes and strategy implementations in the face of COVID-19. The company’s new policies are designed to keep jobsites cleaner, safer and more streamlined. In addition to social distancing and the daily sanitizing of workspaces, an active log of trades and visitors has been established at each jobsite helping to monitor onsite foot traffic. In attempt to limit the number of people on any given jobsite, superintendents are also scheduling inspections to take place outside of working hours.
“Safety has always been at the top of our list,” added Miller. “We are accountable to our clients and therefore need to be hyperaware of how our supporting industries are being affected. We are keeping a close eye on the availability of labor, materials and equipment. It is our responsibility to keep everyone updated on potential schedule impacts, changes in resource availability and/or cost, and to identify the safest way to continue making progress on active jobsites.” As Delmarva moves forward and recovers from the COVID-19 outbreak, Gillis Gilkerson will not regress and lose sight of the heightened sanitary precautions implemented during this time. The protocol changes and extra measures taken are being embraced as a new norm and will not become a thing of the past.
The inevitable slowdown that the construction industry is experiencing allows time for Gillis Gilkerson leadership to adjust the company’s personal protective equipment (PPE) plan, take inventory and work with local inspectors to determine requirements for new onsite handwashing stations – all playing a role in Gillis Gilkerson coming out on the other side as a stronger, more prepared and experienced company.
“The silver lining we’re choosing to focus on is the opportunity we’ve been given to think ahead. Now is the time for businesses to plan for expansion and development. When the dust settles, we will be ready to hit the ‘GO’ button,” said Miller.
“The nature of our business requires us to work closely with customers, sub-contractors, government entities and inspectors from start to finish,” said Dwight Miller, President of Gillis Gilkerson. “Therein lies the challenge. We’re taking CDC protocol very seriously— the health of our team and community is our top priority.”
Gillis Gilkerson did not hesitate to make some big changes and strategy implementations in the face of COVID-19. The company’s new policies are designed to keep jobsites cleaner, safer and more streamlined. In addition to social distancing and the daily sanitizing of workspaces, an active log of trades and visitors has been established at each jobsite helping to monitor onsite foot traffic. In attempt to limit the number of people on any given jobsite, superintendents are also scheduling inspections to take place outside of working hours.
“Safety has always been at the top of our list,” added Miller. “We are accountable to our clients and therefore need to be hyperaware of how our supporting industries are being affected. We are keeping a close eye on the availability of labor, materials and equipment. It is our responsibility to keep everyone updated on potential schedule impacts, changes in resource availability and/or cost, and to identify the safest way to continue making progress on active jobsites.” As Delmarva moves forward and recovers from the COVID-19 outbreak, Gillis Gilkerson will not regress and lose sight of the heightened sanitary precautions implemented during this time. The protocol changes and extra measures taken are being embraced as a new norm and will not become a thing of the past.
The inevitable slowdown that the construction industry is experiencing allows time for Gillis Gilkerson leadership to adjust the company’s personal protective equipment (PPE) plan, take inventory and work with local inspectors to determine requirements for new onsite handwashing stations – all playing a role in Gillis Gilkerson coming out on the other side as a stronger, more prepared and experienced company.
“The silver lining we’re choosing to focus on is the opportunity we’ve been given to think ahead. Now is the time for businesses to plan for expansion and development. When the dust settles, we will be ready to hit the ‘GO’ button,” said Miller.