Preventing Cold, Flu, and COVID-19 Illnesses on Your Jobsites

In the construction industry, we often think that working outdoors creates less risk for catching cold, flu, and COVID-19 illnesses, but it’s crucial to understand that these illnesses can still spread while working in close proximity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates as many as 2.1 million flu illnesses and 3,200 deaths caused by the flu in the U.S. occurred between Oct. 1 and early December of 2024. As we begin to approach peak flu season, NAHB is raising awareness to help your organization prevent any illnesses from starting and spreading in your workplace.

How Are Construction Workers Affected?

• Sharing the same tools, equipment, and restroom facilities.
• Carpooling to work together.
• Taking over-the-counter medications which can lead to impaired judgment while on the job.
• Working outside in cold weather can lead to a weakened immune system, creating more vulnerability for catching a respiratory illness.
• Working under stressful conditions resulting in loss of sleep, appetite, and increased risk of workers using alcohol and substances.

What can your organization do to prevent workers from getting sick?

• Train employees on preventing the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses.
• Provide an adequate amount of toilet and handwashing facilities and keep them in proper sanitary condition. OSHA requires at least one restroom for every 20 workers, but the best industry practice is one restroom per eight workers working a standard 40-hour work week.
• Encourage workers to wash hands frequently with soap and water.

NAHB and its partners have several resources available to train workers on proper jobsite sanitation methods and best practices to recognize and prevent the spread of cold and flu symptoms, including:

• NAHB-JSI Video Toolbox Talks on Job Site Sanitation, COVID-19 Job Site Safety, and Cold Stress Safety
• OSHA Guidance: Precautions During Flu Season
• OSHA Seasonal Flu Fact Sheet
• CDC – Preventing Seasonal Flu