OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of industry-specific alerts designed to
keep workers safe.
If you are in the manufacturing industry, the following tips can help reduce the risk of exposure to
the coronavirus:
• Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
• Establish flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
• Practice sensible social distancing and maintain six feet between co- workers, where possible.
• For work activities where social distancing is a challenge, consider limiting the duration of these activities and/or implementing innovative approaches, such as temporarily moving or repositioning workstations to create more distance or installing barriers (e.g., plexiglass shields) between workstations.
• Monitor public health communications about COVID-19 recommendations for the workplace and ensure that workers have access to and understand that information.
• 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 spread of the virus.
• Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
• Discourage workers from using other workers’ tools and equipment.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus. • Promote 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.
• Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321 -OSHA (6742). OSHA issues alerts to draw attention to worker safety and health issues and solutions.
• osha.gov/coronavirus • 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)