Back On Site

Massive machinery groaned back to life and the turning of dirt began anew in early May as the return of the commercial and residential construction industry in Michigan helped restart portions of the regional economy.

Damian P. Hill, president of the Associated General Contractors of Michigan, praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order reopening statewide construction, stating that the move “recognizes of the ability of Michigan’s contractors to do their jobs safely and protect the men and women who build our state and the general public.”

For constructions crews, making the return to their job sites safe is the top priority, with new protocols now in place to protect workers. In some cases, work deemed critical remained in progress prior to the industry’s full reopening.

“Three Rivers Corp. places health and safety of our employees, subcontractor partners and customers as our highest priority, so our COVID-19 response plan includes activity and protection protocols based on industry best practices and specific customer standards,” said John Lynch, president of Three Rivers Corp. in Midland. “As a designated supplier to critical infrastructure customers, we have continued to perform some work during the Stay Home, Stay Safe order while other activity is conducted by employees working entirely from home, and yet other work was completely suspended. We work hard to meet or exceed requirements laid out in the governor’s orders and take seriously our commitment to practice good hygiene and social distancing; wear proper PPE; sanitize tools, equipment and high-touch surfaces; and continuously educate ourselves for robust acceptance and practice.”