DHS Designates Construction as “Essential Critical Infrastructure” Businesses

The National Demolition Association issued a press release today regarding Version 2.0 of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response (Guidance). The Guidance makes it clear that construction activities are included in its list of essential critical infrastructure workers. President Chris Godek, stated, "We are pleased DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) considered our advice and released new guidance listing construction as essential. We urge all companies to assess the safety and wellbeing of their employees and crews on each project and consult state guidelines."

In addition, this morning NDA submitted a letter to National Governors Association to reiterate 'essential service' designation.

The number of localities now enacting “stay at home” orders is growing. Please refer to the NAM summary for additional details.

NDA human resources partner, Affinity HR Group has released the following videos to assist you in your COVID-19 response:

• Critical Federal Resources for Keeping Up with Coronavirus
• Things to Consider If Contemplating Layoffs
• Time to Work from Home

A third webinar in the series is scheduled for April 1 at 2pm (eastern), details to follow.

Later today NDA will release our 12^th installment of the DEMOLITION NOW podcast. In this episode, we interview NDA President Chris Godek on his thoughts regarding the pandemic and Thomas Trapnell with McAlpine PC lays out basic principles to bear in mind for giving your owners/GCs notice of impacts, and outlines legal options you may have if your jobs are seriously impacted or shut down.

If you have not done so, bookmark NDA COVID-19 Resources webpage and forward to friends and colleagues. Page updated daily.

Please note these updates do not constitute legal advice. Many of these orders may be subject to interpretation and companies should consult with their own counsel.

If you have questions on information or resources, please reach out to me at jlambert@demolitionassociation.com.

Back to Demolition Insights Home