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

Latest from NAHBNow
May 09, 2025
How CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies Accelerates Construction with Factory-Built PrecisionWith the demand for housing in today’s fast-paced construction environment, time is money — and quality is everything. That’s why more developers, general contractors, and home builders are turning to offsite construction solutions like CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies.
May 08, 2025
How an NAHB Student Chapter Alumnus Found His Residential Construction PassionLawrence Thompson III's eye for design and architecture led him to NAHB's Student Competition. Now the project manager is working a full-time job that fits his skills and passions.
Latest Economic News
May 09, 2025
Consumer Credit Slows in the First Quarter of 2025Consumer credit continued to rise in early 2025, but the pace of growth has slowed. Student loan balances rose year-over-year as borrowers resumed payments following the end of pandemic-era relief. However, growth remains modest.
May 08, 2025
Multifamily Developer Confidence Falls in the First QuarterMultifamily developers are starting the year in a cautious state, according to Q1 2025 results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices.
May 07, 2025
Fed Remains on Pause with Rising UncertaintyThe Federal Reserve remained on pause with respect to rate cuts at the conclusion of its May meeting, maintaining the federal funds rate in the 4.25% to 4.5% range. Characterizing current market conditions, the central bank noted that the “unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid.” However, the Fed noted that “inflation remains somewhat elevated.”