LOS ANGELES — Between the pandemic, heat, and wildfires, construction workers in Los Angeles have had a difficult time in 2020.
However, having a job outdoors in construction brings a perfect view for James Aguilera.
“I’ve never been a guy to stay indoors, I’ve always been outside. Hands-on kind of guy. It’s awesome being a carpenter seeing something and going, ‘OK I know how to build that,” Aguilera said
But this year, working outside meant working through the pandemic, heat, and smoke from the recent wildfires. At one point, the bad air quality from the fires forced Aguilera’s job site to close for two days.
“It’s tough. Especially when you got the sun beating down on you, especially when you get over 100, 110 degrees. We’re moving a lot of stuff out here. Like I said, we just make sure to keep an eye on each other,” Aguilera said
As the circumstances of working outdoors have changed, Aguilera and other construction workers with McCarthy Building Companies found new policies in place on each job site to help keep everyone safe. Tools are now being sanitized daily, workers are required to keep six feet apart, wear masks, and teams are notified if there will be a heat risk before the work day can begin.
Other sites have diverted to earlier start times. John Valdivias is a concrete foreman who manages apprentices like Aguilera. He said the changes were needed.
“My main concern of being out here is making sure my guys go home to their families every day. I’m a family person, family comes first in my life, so our big thing is making sure all of our guys are safe,” Valdivias said.
Despite the challenges, the changes are helping Aguilera gain experience in a field he enjoys.
“It’s definitely been a little challenging especially with the COVID. But like I said, we all know what we are doing out here, what we signed up for. So, we’re just going to keep pushing you know, get the job done,” Aguilera said.
That’s why Aguilera and other construction workers on this job site will do everything they can to help each other get home safe.