Manufacturing, Distribution, Construction: Safety Guidelines for Reopening

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As part of the effort to reopen Ohio’s economy, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have released guidelines for the sectors that are allowed to resume normal business in the coming weeks. 

Beginning May 4, manufacturers, distributors and construction companies can resume operations as long as they follow the state safety guidelines.

All employees must be at least six feet apart, with barriers installed when such distances aren’t possible, and face coverings – any mask that covers the nose and mouth, not necessarily medical-grade personal protective equipment – must be worn at all times. 

Desks and workstations must be disinfected daily, lunch and break times must be staggered and the number of shifts should be reduced as much as possible.

A maximum number of people in common areas should be established, while a business’ maximum capacity should not exceed 50% of what’s allowed under the fire code.

Recommended best practices include providing employees a stipend for private transportation, splitting a workforce into sub-teams and limiting in-person contact between those groups, reducing pace to allow fewer workers per line and closing gathering spaces.

A PDF with all state guidelines and best practices is available here.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.