The pandemic brings with it new considerations for keeping your manufacturing site employees safe. Here is some of the guidance we’ve been providing our clients and our own staff.
Our manufacturing sites are considered essential. How do we keep staff healthy and safe while working?
- Provide employees with instruction and guidance on cleaning and disinfecting practices including the types of cleaners and disinfectants to use. Environmental Protection Agency has a list, of approved disinfectants to combat COVID-19. They regularly update the list, so be sure to check it frequently for alternatives if particular supplies are unavailable.
- Require employees to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed by the cleaner, disinfectant labels, and Safety Data Sheets.
- Consider the storage and use of cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, especially if purchasing in bulk. They may warrant specific storage requirements such as storing indoors and on spill-containment skids, near emergency eyewash and shower stations, and away from floor drains.
- Along with PPE, remember to include Hazard Communication requirements for training and secondary labeling if taking supplies from bulk storage.
How best can we convey critical hygiene practices and social distancing to staff?
Communicate clear and updated information on the hazards of COVID-19 and the preventative measures as provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Occupational Health and Safety Administration also provides employers with information in their Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 document. The CDC has developed a Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility webpage that you can provide to employees to keep their work and home areas safe.
Make the information and communications easy to digest. With so much information coming at all of us, it can become confusing and distracting. At Haley & Aldrich, we created topical fact sheets, posters, and infographics that can be sent electronically for sharing, printing, and posting. We found that graphics and pictures make these heavy topics easier to read by breaking up the text and reinforcing the message. If you would like these materials for your organization, reach out to your Haley & Aldrich team or contact our experts below. Also reach out if we can help in any way with guidance to keep your manufacturing operations and staff safe.
Published: 4/13/2020
Authors
Service Leader, EHS Compliance
Technical Expert in Health and Safety
