OSHA Offers Advice to Protect Manufacturing Workers from COV-19

April 21, 2020 Roberta Garthwait

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect manufacturing workers from exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Safety measures employers can implement to protect employees working in manufacturing include:

• Practicing sensible social distancing and maintaining 6 feet between co-workers, where possible.
• Establishing flexible work hours, (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
• Training workers on how to properly put on, use/wear, take-off and maintain protective clothing and equipment.
• Allowing workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent spread of the virus.
• Monitoring public health communications about coronavirus recommendations for the workplace and ensuring that workers have access to and understand that information.
• Promoting personal hygiene. If workers do not have access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Provide disinfectants and disposable towels workers can use to clean work surfaces.
• Encouraging workers to report any safety and health concerns.