Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1266845
30 PalletCentral • May-June 2020 palletcentral.com the critical supply chain can fall within this category. Some state orders have also delineated which industry sectors are considered "essential" and this could be triggered in the event of new closures. The precautionary steps for workers who have known exposures to COVID-19 include: • Pre-screening: Employers should measure workers' temperatures and assess symptoms prior to starting work (before entering facility). • Monitoring: As long as no temperature within parameters or COVID-19 symptoms are present, exposed workers should self-monitor under the super- vision of the employer's occupational health program. • Wear a Mask: Exposed workers should wear a face mask at all times in the workplace for 14 days after their last known exposure (the employer can issue or approve employee-supplied face coverings). • Social Distance: Workers should stay 6 feet away from others "as work duties permit." • Disinfect & Clean Work Spaces: Employers should routinely clean all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared equipment; and, • Sick Leave: If the exposed worker becomes sick during the day, send them home immediately and clean their workspace. Also, employers will need to compile information on persons having contact with the ill worker (during time of his/her symptoms and 2 days prior) and others at the facility who were within 6 feet of the ill worker during this time should be considered exposed and treated according to these protocols as well. Remember that the government guidance is not workplace-specific, and there may be other routes of exposure not accounted for. Effective employer reopening and ongoing exposure control plans developed do need to reflect actual working conditions and the worst case scenarios. There should also be a competent person designated to oversee implementation of the plans and plans should be reviewed and revised as conditions change, such as new disease clusters. For more info on COVID-19, visit www.osha.gov/ covid. Adele L. Abrams is an attorney and safety professional who represents companies in litigation with OSHA and also provides safety training and consultation. The Law Office of Adele L. Abrams PC has three offices: Beltsville, MD; Denver, CO; and Charleston, WV. She may be reached at www.safety-law.com or phone: 301-595-3520.