Health

Manufacturing industry allowed to reopen in Phase 1, but with strict guidelines

BOSTON — As an essential business, North Easton Machine Co., Inc already faced a daunting list of requirements when it comes to opening its doors.

Now, other businesses are trying to understand and implement the standards and procedures the North Easton company has been working through for weeks.

Some of the major points outlines by Governor Charlie Baker today work within a four-tier outline of COVID-19 safety measures that must be in place if manufacturing companies want to start rolling again.

I. Social Distancing

- Ensure 6 feet of more between individuals at a fixed working position

- Re-engineer workstations to increase distance between workers

- Cafeterias must practice physical distancing and appropriate hygiene measures and should operate with only prepackaged food

II. Hygiene

- Supply workers with adequate cleaning products

- Require regular and not less than daily cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch areas

III. Staffing and Operations

- Facilities with high manual work should reopen in gradual / phased approach (staggered arrival and departure times)

- Log everyone who comes in contact with site to enable contract tracing

- Workers must stay home if feeling ill

IV. Cleaning & Disinfecting

- Keep cleaning logs

- In even event of positive case, shut down site for deep cleaning and disinfecting

North Easton Machine Co. President Jon Holbrook has faced the many challenges that come along with implementing the new protocols.

“Our margins are small," said Holbrook. “We don’t have an overabundance of people to try and deal with all these rules and regulations and try to get all these things in place. Our purchasing agent is spending hours a day, you get emails online saying “we have PPE – when you go to order it – they are just trying to get your to order something that is going to come much later.”

From finding PPE to protecting employees and turning a profit, the challenges are something that haven’t been seen in the five decades the machine company has been in business.

Here is a link to the latest on reopening.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

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