Conducting site visits in a public health crisis

A public health crisis can upend the way design professionals practice many of their responsibilities. As a result, design professionals may need to rethink how to safely perform work while still meeting the obligations of professional services agreements.

In a public health crisis, many states and provinces might issue far-reaching orders that shut down construction projects except for those deemed “essential”—a term that might include everything from critical infrastructure and hospitals to low-income senior housing. Some municipalities might issue even more stringent restrictions.

In the midst of these many regulations, design professionals may have to shift their strategies for conducting site visits, depending on whether the project is deemed essential.

This article provides advice on:
• Adequate personal protective equipment and training.
• Health and safety practices.
• Non-essential projects with ongoing construction.
• Documenting unsafe conditions.
• Virtual site visits.
• Potential liability exposure.