The Point: Keeping workers and the public safe is RCTC’s top priority
Public safety continues to be the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s top priority. Our infrastructure projects are part of the supply chain that moves goods and workers across our region. We appreciate the men and women who are designing and building our projects and keeping them safe and the public safe are of critical importance.
COVID-19 cases are increasing, and Riverside County residents are experiencing layoffs and furloughs. Residents may be wondering why transportation projects remain under construction during this time. Under the Governor’s Executive Order, employees who support construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and projects are designated as part of California’s essential workforce and will continue working.
Our Commission, which is governed by elected representatives from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and each of our 28 cities, is implementing multiple safe workplace practices.
Construction crews for our Route 60 Truck Lanes and I-15 Express Lanes have received intensive training and took part in an event today led by the Association of General Contractors (AGC) to reiterate ways to minimize exposure risk to COVID-19. Safe practices include:
- Social distancing
- Zero-tolerance policy for working when ill
- Minimizing exposure between crews
- Wearing personal protective equipment and ensuring hygienic use
- Proper hygiene among crew members
- Appropriate personal protective equipment
- No sharing of tools; disinfecting work areas with approved cleaners
- Changing clothes after leaving the job site and before arriving home and washing work clothes properly
RCTC will continue to adhere to safe workplace standards and will make adjustments as needed. Thank you to our staff, contractors, and subcontractors who are making our work sites safe and building the infrastructure relied upon by our economy.