Planning and Preparing to get Back to Work

Without a cure for COVID-19, “how” will you prepare and resume operations?  The below workbook answers that question and provides a “road map” for creating your own plan.  Crain’s Detroit Business recently shared Lear Corporation’s Safe Work Playbook for COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness and Response, which provides protocols and procedures to reestablish a safe work environment.

Safe Work Playbook Recommendations Include:

• Setting up a pandemic response team at each plant to include the plant manager and other management in control of accessing the property, virus prevention protocols, sanitizing and disinfecting, training and personal protective equipment
• Stock of PPE should include at minimum:
  • 30-day supply of surgical masks and nitrile gloves for all employees
  • 1 infrared thermometer per 100 employees to check temperatures before entering the plant
  • 30-day supply of disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizer, hand soap, paper towels, face shields and biohazard containers
• Details for disinfecting an entire plant, including method, frequency and type of disinfectant
• Disinfecting all material, packages or parts brought into the plant unless it has been in storage or in transit more than 48 hours
• How to immediately isolate employees who feel ill and trace the exposure of other employees
• Layout of work stations
• Assigning employees to teams designating them a time and door to enter and exit the building to minimize contact with coworkers
• Protocol to follow in the event 2 or more employees test positive for COVID-19

The interactive playbook can be accessed using the below link

Lear Safe Work Playbook *

*Please be advised that some or all of the information contained in these documents may not be applicable to other businesses or places of work. We strongly recommend that before implementing any of the ideas contained herein you carefully evaluate, and consult with outside legal counsel as appropriate, the legality, applicability and potential efficacy of this information in your place of business. Please also note that this is a “living” document that may be updated at any time by Lear given the fluidity of this situation.

Lear bears no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of or related to the adoption, or decision not to adopt, any of the practices or procedures contained in the Lear Safe Work Playbook.

OSHA Resources:

OSHA also has resources available addressing how to protect workers during a pandemic.  Links are provided below for a fact sheet and guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19.

OSHA Fact Sheet – Coronavirus

OSHA Guidance for Preparing the Workplace for COVID-19

CDC Resources:
The CDC has issued guidelines for disinfecting your facility, these guidelines are critical in keeping your business operating, employees safe and avoiding liability.

CDC Guidelines for Disinfecting Buildings and Facilities

Sourcing List for PPE:
The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County has published a COVID-19 sourcing list for PPE (masks, face shields) and hand sanitizer, which is hosted by the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center’s Capabilities/Needs Message Board.  The list can be viewed below.

Economic Development Alliance COVID-19 Sourcing List for PPE

Potential Liability for Employers:
Business Insurance published an article on April 7, 2020 regarding a wrongful death lawsuit accusing an employer of failing to adequately screen and protect workers.  The complaint states the employer did not follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Labor for maintaining safe workplaces, such as implementing social distancing and properly screening new hires for symptoms of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Lawsuit Article