New York State is reopening from its COVID-19 shutdown, which means manufacturing and technology companies like yours will be reopening as well. Doing so safely will require careful planning and preparation.
It will take some time before everything is back to pre-pandemic conditions. You may have fewer people working each shift, at stations that are farther apart to comply with social distancing guidelines. Workers will most likely be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools, machinery, workspaces and common areas will be deep cleaned and disinfected often.
There are a lot of things to consider, including how incoming packages and supplies are handled, how meetings are conducted and whether visitors will be allowed into the facility. Human Resources will have to give careful consideration to who returns to work and make sure those who do are healthy and well-trained in safety protocols. Even manufacturers that were deemed essential and remained open over the past three months will have to alter some practices as employees who worked from home return to the plant.
You will want to do some research to determine what processes are best for you, but keep in mind that not all sources are complete or accurate. Credible sources include the CDC and OSHA’s COVID-19 site. We also recommend you review the COVID-19 Back to Work Playbook prepared by the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Everyone is eager to get back to work. Just make sure you take the time to do it the right way.
