BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE

PROJECT: THIRD SMALL TOWNS WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

SECTOR PROJECT ( Ramnagar Mirchaiya Storm Drainage Project, Siraha)

CONTRACT NO : TSTWSSSSP/NCB-23/ Ramnagar Mirchaiya _Siraha

COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan

for
Occupational Health & Safety

October 2020
 Table of Contents
1. Introduction:.......................................................................................................................................3

2. Background:........................................................................................................................................3

3. Response Plan and Specific Operation Procedures.............................................................................4

3.1. DEFINING A CORONA VIRUS CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN..........................................4

3.2. PRINCIPLES OF WORKER PROTECTION.............................................................................4

3.3. Common Symptoms of Corona Virus Disease........................................................................5

3.4. SELF-ATTESTATION BY PERSONS/LABOUR PRIOR TO WORK.....................................5

3.5. Social distancing:........................................................................................................................6

3.6. Travel and communication..........................................................................................................6

3.7. Personal Hygiene Practices.........................................................................................................6

3.8. GENERAL DIRECTION............................................................................................................7

3.9. WORK-SITE PREVENTION PRACTICES...............................................................................7

3.10. WASHING FACILITY AND SAFE WATER........................................................................8

3.11. CLEANING PROCEDURES..................................................................................................8

3.12. LABOUR CAMP....................................................................................................................9

3.13. TOILET FACILITY...............................................................................................................9

3.14. EATING/SNACKS ARRANGEMENTS................................................................................9

3.15. STOCK PILING THE REQUIRED MATERIALS..............................................................10

3.16. UPDATES ON COVID-19...................................................................................................10

3.17. COORDINATION & REPORTING.....................................................................................10

3.18. ORIENTATION....................................................................................................................10

3.19. EMERGENCY CONTACT..................................................................................................10

4. RESOURCE REQUIREMENT........................................................................................................10

4.1. Standards and Guidelines..........................................................................................................11

5. Evaluating company’s corona virus crisis management plan............................................................12

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

 1. Introduction:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered
coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate
respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with
underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease,
and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily
through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or
sneezes. At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However,
precautions can be implemented to prevent and slow down the transmission of the virus.

This plan has been prepared as template by Project Management Office and to be followed by
contractor for the enhancement of the previously completed Small Town Water Supply and
Sanitation Project in the western and eastern region, within the Third Small Towns Water
Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, to protect the employees' and workers health and safety all
while keeping our business running as smooth as possible, needed to build a response
management coinciding with the national and global strategy.

This approved project guideline for Health and Safety Plan (H&SP) requires that the COVID-19
focal officer at the contractor’s worksite (appointed by contractor and agreed by
PMO/RPMO/RDSMC) submit a written daily report to the client’s representative (Team Leader
of RDSMC through Construction Supervision Engineer). The COVID-19 focal officer (Junior
Engineer) shall certify that the contractor is in full compliance with these guidelines.

2. Background:
The activities under the scope of the project comprise of the labor-intensive works like
concreting, pipeline works and masonry works in the remote area. Locally available manpower
has to be used as far as possible to complete the enhancement work within the stipulated time.
However, in case of locally available manpower not capable of doing the right work, Employees
and workers have to be enrolled from different part of the country.

For some specific cases, the materials and special workforce shall be supplied and employed
from other districts outside the project area. RCC Humee pipes and are the main components
which have to be supplied from different manufacturer located in various location the country in
other districts. Possibilities of getting some of the materials have to be imported from India. The
condition of COVID-19 has been growing critical in India at this point of time The import of
the materials has been taken as the one of the risks of spreading of the COVID-19 in the project
site. This special operating procedure for site specific plan is the outcome of the concern of the
contractor and other stakeholders for the minimizing the risks during the COVID-19.

3. Response Plan and Specific Operation Procedures

This plan has been equipped with the following site-specific strategy for the COVID-19
response management. Construction sites operating during the COVID-19 pandemic need to

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

 ensure they are protecting their WORKFORCE and minimizing the risk of spread of
infection.

3.1. DEFINING A CORONA VIRUS CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Concerning about the economic crisis, development, human right etc. the construction
industry is the distinctive field in Nepal. Construction of infrastructures can change in
socio-economic scenarios. The worse effect in the socio-economic crisis can be addressed
somehow by resuming the construction work of the infrastructure industry, during and short
after the crisis of COVID-19.

This guidance is intended to introduce consistent measures on sites of all sizes in line with
the Government’s recommendations on COVID-19 interventions.

3.2. PRINCIPLES OF WORKER PROTECTION

COVID-19 Transmission: There are two main routes of transmission of the COVID-19
virus: respiratory and contact. Respiratory droplets are generated when an infected person
coughs or sneezes. Any person who is in close contact with someone who has respiratory
symptoms (sneezing, coughing) is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective
respiratory droplets. Droplets may also land on surfaces where the virus could remain viable;
thus, the immediate environment of an infected individual can serve as a source of
transmission (contact transmission).

This COVID-19 response plan/guideline is prepared on the basic principles of the protection
ie putting barriers to transmission route as depicted above:
 Consistently practicing social distancing.
 Covering coughs and sneezes.
 Maintaining hand hygiene.
 Cleaning surfaces frequently.

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

 The first and most important intervention principle is isolation ie any staff and laborers must
not attend work if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 as indicated below. They must
report their absence to the supervisor or site management so records can be maintained.

 If sick, inform, & stay home

 If felt uneasy/sick during work, inform, & go home
 If someone sick, inform, & send them home
 If someone working close together is sick, then send to working close together to home
 If your family member is feeling ill, stay home

3.3. Common Symptoms of Corona Virus Disease

As per the WHO, COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people
will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

 fever.
 dry cough.
 tiredness.

Less common symptoms:

 aches and pains.
 sore throat.
 diarrhea.
 conjunctivitis.
 headache.
 loss of taste or smell.
 a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

Serious symptoms:
 difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
 chest pain or pressure.
 Loss of speech of movement.

3.4. SELF-ATTESTATION BY PERSONS/LABOUR PRIOR TO WORK

Prior to starting a work, each labor /worker will be self-attested to the supervisor:
 No signs of COVID-19 symptoms within the past 24 hours.
 No contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. (Contact means living with a
positive person, being within 6 feet of positive person OR sharing things of positive
person)
 Not undergone quarantine or isolation (in case of any laborer /worker who has been
quarantined or isolated previously).
 The engagement of workers over the age of 55 years will be discouraged

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

 In addition, the Contractor shall mandatorily follow all protocol for the workers OHS
prior to their engagement and/or mobilization at site as per the guidelines issued by the
GON and Province/Local government and WHO from time to time.
3.5. Social distancing:
All workers, staffs, consultants and visitors must follow the below appropriate steps of social
distancing:
 Staggered start and finish times - reduce congestion/contact at all times
 Monitor site access points (multiple) to enable social distancing – change the number of
access points, either increase to reduce congestion or decrease to enable monitoring.
 Space (at least two meters) between people waiting to enter or leaving site
 Reducing the number of people in attendance at site inductions (and consider holding
them outdoors wherever possible (no more than 5 people per induction, with 2m
distancing where possible)
 All other work to minimize contact between workers will be planned (non-essential
physical work that requires close contact between workers will not be carried out).
 Break times will be staggered - reduce congestion and contact at all times.
 Sign in register for all personnel and visitors will be maintained (on arrival and sign out
when leaving the site).

3.6. Travel and communication

Wherever possible workers will be encouraged to travel alone by foot or using their own
transport. Parking area for those additional vehicles, motor-cycles and bicycles will be
arranged. The emergency contact numbers of all workers, drivers, staffs including of close
relatives and visitors are collected, should any person fall unwell with COVID-19
symptoms, their household will be informed to pick them up.

Every machine or vehicle will be wiped down the interior and door handles with
disinfectant (with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution daily) prior to entry. Adequate quantity
of the disinfectant will be provided by the contractor at all such site-specific locations.

3.7. Personal Hygiene Practices

All concerns will be instructed and notified to maintain the safe personal hygiene practices
to be safe from COVID-19.

 Wash hands with clean water and soap at least for 20 seconds frequently.
 Use of clean cloth, handkerchief or elbow for sneezing or coughing. Cleaning their
hands after coughing or sneezing thoroughly by using soap and water (minimum
for 20 seconds) will be instructed.
 Touching nose, mouth, eyes and face will be avoided.
 Avoid close contact with people with COVID-19 symptoms
 Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces used by others.
 Use of clean mask appropriately and do not share.
 Avoid unsafe contact with wild animals or other animals

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

  Properly cooked meats items to be consumed.
 All will be encouraged to carry their own water bottle and will not be shared
 Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately and properly.

3.8. GENERAL DIRECTION

 Namaste or non-contact greetings (no hand-shaking) are promoted.
• All individual work group meetings/ talks will follow social distancing and face/nose
mask.
• At each job briefing /toolbox talk, employees will be asked if they are
experiencing any symptoms, and are sent home.
• Each worksite will have hand washing instructions and workers must follow
COVIID-19 safety guidelines (item 2.7).
• All restroom /toilet facilities will be cleaned and hand washing facility w i l l be
provided with water and soap.
• All surfaces will be regularly cleaned, including tabletops /surfaces, door handles,
laptops, records, etc.
• All common areas and meeting areas will be regularly cleaned and disinfected at
least once a day.
• All will be encouraged to bring food from home or kitchen mesh within the work
camp will be maintained.
• Work schedules will be adjusted to provide time for proper cleaning and
disinfecting as required.
3.9. WORK-SITE PREVENTION PRACTICES
 All persons at the worksite will have their temperature screened with Infrared
Thermometer (hand held non-contact).
 All workers will use, contractor provided reusable and disposable PPEs. Responsible
officer will ensure sharing of these are not done.
 In work conditions where required social distancing is impossible to achieve, such
employees will be supplied with additional protective measures.
 Multi person activities will be limited where feasible (more than two persons lifting
activities)
 Gathering places on the site such as sheds and/or break areas will be eliminated, and
instead small break areas will be used with seating limited to ensure social
distancing.
 Cleaning person(s) to be provided with gloves, gown and face mask. The Contractor
will make available adequate supply of PPE and chemicals while the threat of
COVID-19 continues.
 Clean all high contact surfaces a minimum of twice a day in order to minimize the
spread of germs in areas that people touch frequently. This includes but is not
limited to desks, laptops and vehicles will be instructed strictly.

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

  Maintaining of their good health by getting adequate sleep; eating a balanced,
healthy diet, avoid alcohol; and consume plenty of fluids will be motivated.
 Commencement of works in construction project with workers available on site as
far as possible and no workers will be brought in from outside, without due
coordination to RDSMC, concerned Local Government and other related agencies.

3.10. WASHING FACILITY AND SAFE WATER

The provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions is essential to protecting
human health during all infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ensuring good and consistently applied WASH and waste management practices in
construction site will help prevent human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19
virus.

Frequent and proper hand hygiene is one of the most important measures that can be
used to prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus. WHO guidance on the safe
management of drinking-water and sanitation services applies to the COVID-19
outbreak. Disinfection will facilitate more rapid die-off of the COVID-19 virus. Many
co-benefits will be realized by safely managing water and sanitation services and
applying good hygiene practices.
 Worksites will have access to toilet and hand washing facility with soap.
 Hand cleaning facilities, by soap and water will be provided wherever possible or
hand sanitizer if water is not available
 All onsite workers will be instructed to maintain and keep stations clean.
 Garbage bins will be placed next to the hand wash facility for discarding of used
tissues/towels with regular removal and disposal facility ie pits with soil cover (end
of each day).
 Sufficient water for cleaning will be made available.
 Safe and adequate drinking water (disinfected with chlorine) for hand washing,
drinking, cooking, utensils washing and bathing will be ensured for all the onsite
employees and workers. The residual chlorine concentration in disinfected drinking
water will be maintained at 0.20 to 0.50 mg/l.
3.11. CLEANING PROCEDURES
 Increased cleaning/disinfection visits to at least once a day will be performed.
Cleaning person(s) will be provided with gloves, gown and face mask for each cycle
of cleaning.
 IEC materials: Each worksite will have enhanced cleaning and disinfection
procedures that are posted and shared including sheds, gates, equipment, vehicles,
etc. and will be posted throughout the project site. These include common areas and
frequent touch points like:
 Washing facilities
 Toilet flush and seats
 Machinery and equipment controls

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

  Food preparation and eating surfaces
 Telephone equipment / mobiles
 Keyboards and other office equipment
 Re-usable PPE will be thoroughly cleaned after use and not shared between workers.

3.12. LABOUR CAMP

Masks will be provided to all the persons/ workers for use at the camp site as well as at
the worksite. Increase of cleaning/disinfection visits to at least once a day will be
recommended. Cleaning person(s) will be provided with disposable gloves, gown and
face mask.

3.13. TOILET FACILITY

• Restriction of the number of people using toilet facility at any one time by
appointing one welfare attendant among the labors or increasing the facility. The
facility will be gender separate and friendly
• Washing of hands with soap and water before and after using the facilities will be
instructed.
• Portable toilets will be avoided wherever possible, but where in use these will be
cleaned and emptied more frequently.
• Suitable and sufficient rubbish bins will be provided for hand towels with regular
removal and disposal to disposal pit which will be covered by layer of soil.
3.14. EATING/SNACKS ARRANGEMENTS
 Contractor will arrange all daily need items at site itself and no worker will be
allowed to go to shops for daily need items.
• Dedicated eating areas will be identified on camp to reduce food waste and
contamination.
• Break times will be staggered to reduce congestion and contact at all times.
• Hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizer will be available and
should be used by workers when entering and leaving the area.
• Workers will sit two meters apart from each other whilst eating and avoid all contact
 Disposable plates and cups will be used as far as possible.
 Drinking water will be provided with enhanced cleaning measures and introduced
with the 0.2-0.5 mg/l residual chlorine (Chlorine tables will be used).
 Tables will be cleaned between each use.
 All rubbish will be put straight in the bin and not left for someone else to clear up;
only covered pedal operated bins should be used and the bins should be cleared and
cleaned regularly, with strict adherence to safety protocols for disposal and hygiene
maintenance (including proper PPE’s such as gloves, mask and apron worn by the
waste handler/cleaner and disposal at a designated place);

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

  All areas used for eating will be thoroughly cleaned including chairs, door handles,
etc.

3.15. STOCK PILING THE REQUIRED MATERIALS

All types of construction materials including daily personal uses for hygiene
maintenance will be stored safely in sufficient quantity with in the construction site. The
materials includes like sanitizers, PPEs (masks, goggles, gloves, boots, helmets, face and
body covers etc), soap, towels, disinfectants, food items, safe water, IEC materials, first aid
kit with basic medicines, infrared temperature gun and etc.

3.16. UPDATES ON COVID-19

The Contractor will be in regular updates from/with consultants team, the Department of
Health, Welfare and Labour Department, GoN to identify any potential worksite exposures
relating to COVID-19, including:
 Following the guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Population, GoN and
following provisions of Labour Act 2017 - GoN, and OSHA will be performed.
 Regular orientation on COVID-19 to workers before work proceeds every day

3.17. COORDINATION & REPORTING

Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation User Committee, concerned Municipality Office and ward
offices, nearby Community Hospital, District Administration Office, RDSMC team will be
coordinated with for concerns related with the health screening and health provisions of the
workforce. Regular Reporting will be done to consultant’s team and to other stakeholders as and if
required.

3.18. ORIENTATION
The orientation program will be conducted with the co-ordination of any health-related
agencies or safeguard officer to ensure all workers and staff get training on above
requirements before start of any construction activity. Workers will be oriented every day
before commencing work.
During construction period frequent visual and verbal reminders to workers can
improve compliance with hand and face hygiene practices and thus reduce rates of
infection. So, proper hand washing with soap posters will also be displayed at work site and
labor camps.

3.19. EMERGENCY CONTACT

Emergency contact number of contractor’s responsible person, hospital, WUSC member will
be provided at work site and labor camp for reporting COVID-19 symptoms. The contact
numbers of the close relative of the workers and staffs will be collected for emergency use, if
they show the symptoms of COVID-19.

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

4. RESOURCE REQUIREMENT

Resources required specifically managing the COVID 19 risk shall have to be identified,
planned, procured, and made available at site in adequate quantities. The resources, activities
and budget which are required to manage COVID 19 risks are included in Table 1 below.
Because the response to COVID19 pandemic remains fluid, the items included in the
resource requirements in the table below may be updated from time to time to ensure all
needs are considered.

This response plan shall be considered as a supplemental document to the environmental

management plan (EMP) in the due diligence environmental report. The budget estimate
below shall be drawn from the provisional sum provided in the contractor/s contract.

Table 1: Indicative Cost of Resource Requirements

Items / Activities Unit Cost Total Cost

(NRs) (NRs)

(i) Thermal scanners. All persons at the 5500/scanner 5500.00

worksite should have their temperature
screened with Infrared Thermometer
(handheld non-contact).
(ii) Attendance system (contact less preferred) Attendance done at -
gate by security
guard

(iii) Sanitizer, Liquid Soap & Hand washing LS 15000.0

arrangement at site in workmen habitat

(iv) Manpower for cleaning & disinfection (1 0.25 person/day 30000.00

person)
(v) Nose/ face masks and Hand gloves for LS 10000.0
person who is screening workmen,
conducting medical checkup & disinfection.
(vi) Quarantine Facilities for accommodating c/o Government -
symptomatic workmen. Health Agency

(vii) Ensure availability (even tie-up) of L.S. (arrangement NRs.

Ambulance equipped with all necessary on retainer basis 5000.00/trip
items like nose masks, first aid kits, aprons, with nearest
disinfect solutions etc.
hospital)

(viii) First aid kits with hand sanitizers and hand L.S. NRs.5000/ve
wash liquids shall be mandatory available in hicle, NRs.
all the vehicle without any lapses. 5000/site

BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN

 (ix) Regular notification by GoN/ Province No additional cost
Government/ Local Government should be required
adhered and all the staff should be
compulsorily made aware of that
(x) Job protection of workers during crisis No additional cost
period of COVID 19 pandemic needs to be required
ensured.

4.1. Standards and Guidelines

The activities under the response plan will follow, and will comply with the following
national and international standards and guidelines;

 Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, OSHA 2020

 Interim Guidance; Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the
COVID-19 virus, WHO and UNICEF, March 2020
 Special Note to the Service Providers, Ministry of Water Supply, 2020
 Health Sector Emergency Response Plan – CovID19 Pandemic, MoHP, GoN, May
2020
Any other existing and/or new standards and guidelines shall also be followed.

5. Evaluating company’s corona virus crisis management plan

The company’s corona virus response (crisis) management plan will be continuously evaluated and
updated by DSMC and contractor.

This will be regularly reported in MPR/QPR or any time requested by PMO and other agencies.

6. Appointment of the designated crisis management team

Authorized Contractor’s Representative
(Name and mobile no)

Junior Engineer of Contractor’s Site

RDSMC Engineer
(Name and mobile no) (Name and mobile no)

Site Supervisors
(Name and mobile no)

Workers
BKOI- YOGI JOINT VENTURE COVID- 19 RESPONSE PLAN