Employer Safety Guidance for Manufacturing Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released an alert advising employers on safety tips to help protect manufacturing workers from exposure to COVID-19.  OSHA advises employers to implement the following:

  • Practice sensible social distancing and maintain six  feet between coworkers where possible;
  • Establish flexible working hours, including staggering shifts, if possible;
  • Train workers on how to properly put on, use, wear, take-off, and maintain protective clothing and equipment;
  • Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent the spread of the virus;
  • Monitor public health communications about COVID-19 recommendations for the workplace and ensure workers have access to and understand the information offered;
  • Promote personal hygiene.  This can include providing soap and water for handwashing, providing alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol, and providing disinfectants and disposable towels workers can use to clean surfaces; and
  • Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

For more information and to discuss these benefits further, please contact a member of Gould & Ratner’s Human Resources and Employment Practice.