COVID-19 Update 6/29/20
Do You Have a Plan?
As previously reported, by June 29, 2020, Critical Sector businesses are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that complies with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 guidelines and OSHA standards. A template and instructions can be found here.
The completed business preparedness plan is not required to be submitted to the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) for approval, but needs to be made available upon request.
What to do if an employee is expected or confirmed to have COVID-19
Per the CDC, in most cases, you do not need to shut down your facility. But do close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person:
- Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
- During this waiting period, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in these areas.
Follow the CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations:
- Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them.
- To disinfect surfaces, use products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2external iconexternal icon, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface.
- Always wear gloves and gowns appropriate for the chemicals being used when you are cleaning and disinfecting.
- You may need to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the setting and disinfectant product you are using.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, employers should determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus and need to take additional precautions:
- Most workplaces should follow the Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure.
- Critical infrastructure workplaces should follow the guidance Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19.
Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider and state or local health department.
If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For additional information or assistance in developing a plan, businesses can contact MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation at 651-284-5060 or osha.consultation@state.mn.us.
How to communicate when an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Click here for info.
MN DEED Grant Application Open
As reported in the last update, during the recent Special Session, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill providing for a small business grant program to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. This program will provide $10,000 grants to small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees are eligible.
Applications are now being accepted and will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020. The MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) will select grant awards through a computer-generated, randomized process shortly after closure of the application.
More information can be found here.
Talkin’ Shop
Two member roundtable calls are scheduled in July. Join in the conversation!
- Collision members, attend the BS Session on July 8th, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Mechanical members, attend the Mech XChange on July 15th, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
3M Offering Free Signage
3M and HP Inc. announced a new collaboration to share free-of-charge large-format graphics for commercial signage applications to communicate social distancing and health and safety messages as public spaces, workplaces and businesses reopen amid the continued COVID-19 pandemic.
The 3M Graphics COVID-19 Related Signage library for HP is a free, online resource providing templates, design elements and poster artwork for floor and carpet graphics for social distancing, signs and decals for storefront windows, mirrors, and other types of glasses, and posters for general awareness in public settings.
With 3M providing free access to their exclusive collection of COVID-19 related designs, HP Applications Center users can configure a customized space in only three steps. For more information about suggested uses as well as recommended 3M print materials, go to the HP Applications Center.
Note: This content and analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult your legal and financial advisors for detailed information before taking any action.
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