INDOT and Indiana Transportation Team Ready to Go

INDOT and Indiana Transportation Ready to Go
INDOT appreciates the trying times that we are all going through together. INDOT wants to ensure our partners that we are ready to go for the 2020 construction season. INDOT understands the current environment and the challenges that is presents. We are committed to working through this with our industry partners and to look for opportunities to partner together. The following is a listing of the initiatives that INDOT will be implementing immediately.

Safety
INDOT is abiding by all of the guidance provided by the Department of Health for social distancing and good hygiene. INDOT is utilizing virtual means of communication as much as possible. As always Safety of our employees, our partners, and the traveling public is first and foremost on our agenda.

Extended Work Hours
Governor Eric Holcomb’s Stay at Home order has the effect of about a 30% reduction in overall traffic. INDOT is willing to discuss options to accelerate projects through this time period by extending hours for restrictions on Interstate Highway Congestion Waivers. INDOT has reduced the review time for this by utilizing the existing traffic data and applying the 30% reduction factor to open additional time to work. INDOT is continually monitoring this situation and is available to discuss these opportunities on a contract or corridor basis. Guidance has been sent out to decision-makers to move on these requests quickly. Should traffic volumes begin to increase back to normal conditions, then INDOT would give contractors a 7-day notice to return to previous restriction time frames.

Construction
INDOT is ready to go and work effectively and efficiently with our contractors.

Testing
INDOT has also worked on efficiencies for our Testing processes to expedite approvals. INDOT is pursuing all options to expedite startup procedures for the season including but not limited to extending certification timeframes. INDOT will be postponing audits and plant inspections. Our qualified testers will have their certifications extended to May 1, 2020 to be ready to go now. 

E-Ticketing
INDOT is willing to work with industry for a more widespread use of e-ticketing. INDOT already has contractors utilizing this tool.

Supply-Chain Issues
INDOT is keenly aware that supply chains are being interrupted and will work with industry to help resolve if we can. Industry does not need to send INDOT a letter citing potential issues but only those that are currently impacting the contract. Please let INDOT construction personnel know as soon as you are aware of such issues so that we can track them together. There is not a need to explore what-ifs at this time.

Partnering and Indiana Transportation Team
Our joint membership in The Indiana Transportation Team gives us the ability to persevere through these challenges and turn them into opportunities to advance the cause. Thanks in advance to all for their efforts.

Roland L. Fegan, Jr., P.E.
Deputy Commissioner, Construction
Indiana Government Center North
100 N. Senate Ave., Room N758
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.indot.in.gov
Office: (317) 234-8384
Cell: (317) 697-7298
Email: rfegan@indot.in.gov

Drugs, Alcohol and Construction Don’t Mix

Alcohol and drug use among employees and their family members can be an expensive problem for any industry.

The impact of alcoholism and drug dependence in the workplace generally focuses on four major areas: premature death and fatal accidents; injuries and accident rates; absenteeism; and loss of productivity. Other problem areas include tardiness, sleeping on the job, poor decision making, loss of efficiency, theft, workplace morale, high turnover and more. In addition, family members living with someone’s alcoholism or drug use may also suffer significant job performance related problems, including absenteeism, lack of focus, increased health-related problems and use of health insurance.

There is a certain level of danger associated with any construction job site. Because we don’t want to add to the danger, it’s important to establish guidelines and consequences for substance abuse and help employees follow those guidelines.

Coworkers are often reluctant to let management know when they suspect drug or alcohol activity. They are concerned that any coworkers they identify will be penalized or even lose their jobs. The reality is that the abuser is placed in far greater jeopardy when this information is not reported. Silence helps to foster opportunities for hazards and continued drug use to exist. Below are three suggestions on how to deal with this type of situation:

  • Don’t be an enabler. When you cover up for substance abusers, lend them money or help conceal poor work performance, you are protecting them from the consequences of their behavior and making it possible for them to continue using drugs or alcohol.
  • Don’t look the other way. If you suspect drugs are being used or sold on your worksite, report it to your supervisor. Contacts are normally confidential and anonymous.
  • Don’t intervene on your own. Drug abuse and drug dealing are serious problems, and qualified professionals should handle them.

Cooperation is the key to dealing with substance abuse in the workplace. Employers and employees alike have a role to play. We must all recognize our roles and carry out our responsibilities. We must ensure:

  1. A comprehensive drug-free policy is in place.
  2. Employees are educated regarding the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
  3. Supervisors are trained to recognize such abuse.
  4. Employees are periodically tested.
  5. Assistance is available for employees who require help.

Download the recording form here.