As the world continues to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, every industry is feeling the impact of restrictions and social distancing requirements. Many states have started the process of reopening the economy but with strict guidelines in place to keep both employees and the public safe. The surveying industry is no different.
With modern technology, many surveying tasks can be completed remotely or with a limited crew. For projects with larger crews, however - especially in public areas - additional precautions and protective equipment may be required.
Though many states have seen a decline in new cases of COVID-19, the CDC continues to recommend remote working and telecommunication when possible. When it comes to the surveying industry, however, that may not always be feasible. Many jobs require onsite staff and some surveying equipment requires multiple operators.
Whether land surveyors can work during the COVID-19 crisis comes down to state regulations. Most states have begun to systematically lift shelter in place orders while relaxing the restrictions that previously only allowed life-sustaining businesses to remain open. In some states, like Pennsylvania, the construction industry was among the first to resume operations.
Whether a surveying business is able to reopen right now hinges on two things. First, the state must approve the reopening. Many states are reopening in phases, allowing businesses to open at 50% capacity before resuming normal operations. Second, individual businesses must follow CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC recommends the following for businesses planning to open:
In the land surveying industry, contact with the public may be limited but it is still important to take precautions. Employees in public-facing positions should pay particular attention to CDC guidelines and wear personal protective equipment on the job.
The field of land surveying is done primarily outdoors and contact with the public is fairly limited. Devices like Topcon total stations and GPS laser level devices make it possible to perform some tasks remotely or to limit the number of workers needed on-site. Some land surveying equipment, however, must be operated in person and may require more than one operator.
The dangers of COVID-19 are the same for survey workers as they are in the service industry, healthcare, or any other industry. It all comes down to the risk of exposure to the virus.
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a novel coronavirus. Though our understanding of the disease continues to evolve, it is thought to spread mainly from person to person. Being in close contact with other people (within 6 feet) or inhaling droplets from an infected person increases your risk of exposure. Using protective supplies like a face mask or cloth covering may reduce the risk.
In the survey industry, your level of risk is determined by potential sources of exposure. Survey equipment that can be operated remotely or by a single person comes with less risk than surveying instruments that require a larger crew for full service. There is also some risk for exposure with shared surveyor tools and mechanical land surveying equipment.
Safety is always a priority in the surveying field and in the construction industry as a whole. When it comes to COVID-19 safety, employees and employers need to work together.
Employers and site managers should reassess safety protocols and implement a COVID-19 safety plan when appropriate. Changes to site access protocols, new employee training, and cleaning and disinfecting procedures may need to be reevaluated. Physical contact should be limited as much as possible by staggering breaks and lunches, disinfecting shared tools, and limiting visitors to the job site.
Social distancing is recommended both in public and in the workplace, as much as possible. Unfortunately, surveying equipment sometimes requires workers to be in close proximity. For this reason, it is important for field crew to have access to personal protective equipment.
Modern surveying equipment has come a long way from ancient tools like knotted ropes and crude surveying instruments. Electronic distance measuring tools like theodolites changed the way surveyors collected data, enabling surveyors to execute a new, higher level of service.
In the wake of COVID-19, it is important for surveyors to find ways to gather data and complete each service with as little human contact as possible. Digital surveying equipment like laser levels, GNSS receivers, and remote data collection systems are particularly useful right now because much of it can be operated with a limited crew.
Robotic total stations like the Topcon LN-100 have become an essential tool in the surveying industry - modern versions require just a single operator. Utilizing GPS technology, total stations can often be operated remotely as well. Topcon offers a variety of surveying equipment products that require only a single operator.
Protective gear is essential for anyone in the surveying industry. In addition to typical protective surveying supplies like helmets, safety vests, and eye protection, you should also think about supplies or products that will reduce your risk for transmitting or contracting COVID-19.
Essential personal protection supplies include face masks, face shields, gloves, and sanitizing or disinfecting supplies to clean survey equipment.
Face coverings are recommended when working a site survey where more than one person is present, especially if they are working in close proximity. Cloth face masks should cover both the nose and mouth - face shields may provide an additional level of protection. Work gloves are recommended for anyone operating survey equipment and you should wash your hands before putting them on and after taking them off.
When using shared surveying equipment like a Topcon total station or GPS data collector, clean and disinfect the tool after each use. Alcohol wipes make it quick and easy to wipe down surveying supplies and other commonly used products on the worksite.
While governing bodies may not consider construction work like land surveying an essential service, the people who work in the industry consider their jobs essential. Even if you are extremely careful about using protective supplies, total prevention is difficult - you could still get sick and it then becomes a choice of continuing to work or staying home to keep others safe.
Employers should actively encourage employees who are sick to stay home and employees should understand the risks of going to work while sick. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you should talk to your doctor about getting tested and complete a period of self-isolation before returning to work. It simply is not worth the risk of exposing others to this deadly virus.
Personal safety and public safety go hand-in-hand. The best service employers and survey industry professionals can do in the current time is take precautions against the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing protective supplies and employing on-site safety practices.
