Manufacturing, Construction In MA To Reopen Under These Rules

BOSTON, MA — Manufacturing businesses and construction sites across Massachusetts could begin reopening this week under a new safety plan created by a panel in charge of reopening the state as the coronavirus pandemic slows down.

Many operations were forced to close in March when Gov. Charlie Baker banned gatherings of 10 or more people. Some essential manufacturing businesses — like ones that make medical equipment — have been operating throughout the pandemic. Same goes for construction projects that were in the interest of public health and safety, like road and sewer work.

But workplaces will look a lot different with new guidelines meant to prevent a resurgence of coronavirus.

Here are some top-line recommendations for manufacturing businesses to reopen:

• Workers must be 6 feet apart at all times, unless that requirement interferes with workplace safety standards.
• All workers must wear a face covering, unless it interferes with safety, or if the worker has a qualifying medical condition.
• Work stations should be spaced 6 feet apart, and employers should install visual markers so employees can maintain that distance.
• Employers must install partitions between workstations if they cannot be spaced 6 feet or more apart.
• Workplaces should stagger lunch breaks to prevent large groups from congregating in cafeterias and break rooms. Cafeterias should only offer packaged food, and social distancing must be observed.
• Confined spaces like elevators, control rooms, and vehicles should be occupied by only one employee at a time.

Here's what state officials are recommending for construction projects:

• All construction crews should be kept a minimum of 6 feet apart at all times.
• All workers must wear cut-resistant gloves, and handshaking should not be allowed.
• Employers should provide personal-protective equipment when it's not possible for workers to maintain social distance.
• Like manufacturing businesses, break areas should be open to small groups only.
• Supervisors should use digital communication — phone calls, texts, and web meetings — when planning projects.