Resources Available for Oregon Manufacturers
Author: Jasmine Agnor –
Senior Marketing and Events Manager, OMEP
Guest Blogger
As Oregon manufacturers grapple with the effects of Covid-19, OMEP has been creating resources to support businesses to continue safe operations.
These resources are the result of the evaluation and consolidation of available guidance from the MEP National Network, CDC, OSHA, and OHA. These tools include a COVID-19 Workplace Preparedness Assessment, personalized heatmap results, Checklist, and Guide. We hope these tools offer clarity and direction along the pathway to a safer workplace for everyone in manufacturing.
OMEP’s Covid-19 Workplace Preparedness Assessment
Take our online self-assessment at the link above to create awareness of the needs and potential gaps your workplace may have in creating a safe work environment for employees. The assessment provides immediate feedback to you, and those who choose to enter their contact information will receive a customized Visual Heat Map summary of your assessment results.
This works in tandem with the assessment to help manufacturers move from understanding to action. The checklist is a combination of Oregon specific actions and nationally recognized best practices.
Covid-19 Workplace Preparedness Playbook
Designed to support actions from the checklist with more detailed rationale and techniques, this tool will help you implement best practices.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve also seen many questions about how to safely operate, and what social distancing should look like on the factory floor. The idea of maintaining a minimum distance of 6’ between you and the people around you is certainly a challenge for manufacturers with small spaces. To address these challenges and suggest best practices, we built a webinar for manufacturers. A few key points for success:
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Create a team to Outline Your Workplace ‘Social Distancing Policy’
This is not only a great way to educate employees and build awareness to help avoid infection, but it is also recommended by many authorities, including OSHA. If you’re curious about how employment law plays a role in your re-opening and continuing operation plans, watch learn about this topic from Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
Create or Modify Structures to Facilitate Greater Spacing Amongst Team Members
Consider adapting shift structures, mediating entrance/exit to and from the facility and work areas, and limiting on-site work to only necessary essential functions (while other work is done remotely). This will help to limit the headcount in commonly used areas. A great way to make sure that commonly used areas remain safe for employees is by allocating time throughout the day for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
Review real-life examples, photos, and detailed information in this webinar on social distancing.
Eliminate Meetings in Closed Spaces
Reduce the sharing of tools and equipment, and if work stations can be moved, make sure they are also 6’ apart. Utilize collaborative chat software and other technology to limit or eliminate hands-on, or frequent in-person small group meetings. As you re-work your space, consider that you may benefit from utilizing Operational Excellence tools.
Tap into Lean tools to rethink your workspace
Communicate Frequently
Clearly communicate the standards which all personnel should follow, and lead by example. You can’t over-communicate at this time, with your employees, customers, and partners.
Discover more ideas and best practices around communication from our webinars on Leadership During Uncertain Times and PR and Communication for Your Manufacturing Business
Support and Consultation
For manufacturers looking for more direct support as they continue operations in a post- COVID-19 environment, OMEP is offering remote/virtual or on-site consultations. Reach out to learn more >
For more ideas and resources surrounding social distancing best practices in the workplace please visit OMEP’s Social Distancing Resources Page
Let us know how Covid-19 is impacting your business. Take our 1-minute survey