On March 11th, 2020 – the world as we know it changed when the World Health Organization declared a Global Pandemic. What that meant was not known by any of us, but it was clear that our lives would change, in all aspects, including how we work and do our jobs. Since that day, the Union has continued to consult the company with workers concerns and the company has continued to put measures in place to make the workplace safe for the employees.
In saying that, putting safety measures in place is only part of the equation. We as employees must become up to date with all those measures and continue to apply them at the workplace. IBEW Local 2351 asks that all members take the time to review the company initiatives, put in place to keep you safe, during this COVID-19 Pandemic. The company has added a number of the safety-related materials to their COVID-19 page on the following website: https://nlhydro.com/covid-19-updates/ .
Please pay attention to all safety guidelines, use proper PPE and practice Physical distancing. The company has developed a New! Risk Assessment & Safe Work Practices for Critical Work (added April 15, 2020) during COVID-19.
According to their website “Risk Assessment and Safe Work Practice documents have been developed for critical work that is continuing throughout the company, specifically to address situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained. These documents outline the control measures that can be used to keep workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including engineering and administrative controls, as well as the use of personal protective equipment.” It goes on to say “The Risk Assessment and Safe Work Practice must be applied when physical distances of 2 meters are not able to be maintained.”
These documents are available , on the above mentioned website and on the COVID-19 Safety & Health section of the Grid (for those with network access).
For your safety, the union recommends that all members become aware of the tools in place for your protection. If you have any questions, please consult your supervisors, Managers, the safety and health department or your Union representatives. It is important for all employees to know, understand and use all the documents at your disposal, to work safely.
BESAFE
IBEW 2351 Executive
