Building Safely: Precautions Construction Companies Can Make During the 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, a swath of darkness 123 miles wide and extending from Texas to Maine will occur. We are talking about the Great North American Eclipse of 2014, a phenomenon that happens very rarely. The world is abuzz about the April eclipse; you may even be sick of hearing it.

So why am I talking about it on a construction blog? Who cares? It will only last 4 minutes!

While totality will only last 4 minutes, the eclipse's impact can disrupt the construction site not only on April 8 but also the days before. We want to make sure our construction sites are safe for everyone all of the time, so here are a few ideas to keep everyone safe:

1. Plan:

Construction companies should start planning for the solar eclipse well in advance. With not much time left it is imperative to plan now if you are in the path of totality. Consider how the eclipse may impact ongoing projects, workforce availability, and delivery schedules. Create a plan to help you decide where to make adjustments with deliveries, owners or General contractors, and even with labor forces. It will be a Monday, so determine if you will give employees a three-day weekend to spend with family or if you will require them to work. My Company is right smack in the middle of totality and I will give my crews the choice.

2. Ensure safety during the eclipse and after:

Safety should always be the top priority on construction sites, and the solar eclipse is no exception. Ensure that all workers know the potential dangers of looking directly at the sun during the eclipse. Provide properly rated Solar glasses for each employee. The rating can be found on the earpiece and should read ISO 12312-2. If you are doing dangerous work with machinery, using power tools, or on scaffolding, take a break to enjoy the show. It will get quite dark (think dusk), but only for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. However, those few minutes are a once-in-a-lifetime view for most of us.

People will start showing up a few days before the eclipse. Since the Eclipse falls on a Monday, most employees will be home during the weekend. However, if you require a full workday that Monday, be aware that traffic might be heavy after the eclipse. In 2017, some people were stuck in traffic for over four hours after the eclipse. People tended to drift into town, but everyone wanted to leave at the same time, causing nightmarish traffic jams, especially in the suburbs and rural areas.

Another thing to be aware of is jobsite security. People will be looking for prime viewing spots anywhere they can find them. If you have a security fence, keep it shut and locked before and during the eclipse. This will prevent people from accessing the site and causing safety issues. If you do not have a security fence, ensure you have a couple of crew members on the lookout for trespassers.

Depending on the location of your construction site, the solar eclipse may coincide with peak working hours. Consider adjusting the work schedule to accommodate the eclipse and ensure that construction activities can continue without interruption. This may include starting work earlier or later in the day to avoid the peak eclipse period.

3. Communicate with owners, GCs, and other trades:

Discuss any potential delays or changes to project timelines and devise a plan to mitigate any adverse effects. Open communication will help build trust and prevent misunderstandings. Everyone should be on board regarding possible issues.

4. Communicate with suppliers and deliveries:

You might consider canceling and rescheduling deliveries.

Make sure the suppliers and dispatch understand that traffic will be heavy, and during the eclipse, there WILL be people stopping on the side of the road and even in the middle of the road. This will be frustrating for you and for your suppliers if you decide not to cancel deliveries, reschedule them for before or several hours after totality.

5. Embrace the opportunity:

The solar eclipse of 2024 is a rare and exciting event that can be leveraged as a unique marketing opportunity for construction companies. If you have room at an office or somewhere else consider hosting eclipse viewing events for employees, clients, and the local community. This can help boost morale, foster team spirit, and enhance the company's reputation as a community-minded organization. Have glasses made with your logo and company name on them and pass them out. Again consider giving employees and/or subs that day off.

Construction companies should take proactive steps to prepare for the 2024 solar eclipse and ensure that construction activities can continue safely and smoothly during this rare celestial event. By planning, communicating effectively, and prioritizing safety, construction companies can make the most of this unique experience and strengthen relationships with clients, suppliers and employees.