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COVID-19 Legal Resource Guide
June 08, 2020

New COVID-19 Safety Guidance from DOB for Construction Sites

Nonessential construction in New York City is allowed starting Monday, June 8, as part of Phase 1 of reopening. The Department of Buildings (DOB) released on June 5 new COVID-19 safety guidance for property owners and contractors of all permitted construction sites across the city. The sites include those beginning the work of reopening and those designated as essential during the construction ban. All permitted job sites must adhere to the new rules.

The new guidance reinforces the New York State Department of Health’s interim guidance on construction activities during this public health crisis and emphasizes the responsibility of all members of the construction industry to make compliance a top priority. Additionally, the guidance reinforces the city’s commitment to use education and enforcement to work collectively toward a safe restart and to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 during this ongoing pandemic.

Employers are required to develop a site-specific health plan that is prominently visible on work sites. They will also be required to submit and display an affirmation to the state that they have read and understood the additional reopening requirements as detailed in the NYS Interim Guidelines.

During the first 30 days of construction resuming, DOB will focus on industry education and implementation of the new standards and procedures. DOB violations issued during the 30-day reopening period will carry no financial penalty. Following this period, violations will result in financial penalties, and further noncompliance may result in stop work orders and summonses with accompanying civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each offense.

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