Washington has been staying home and saving lives since the start of our statewide stay-at-home order issued on March 23, 2020. These efforts have allowed the state to move forward on our roadmap for modifying the statewide order. 

We are approaching Phase 2 and all manufacturers should be thinking about Phase 2 Safety and Health Requirements issued by Governor Inslee on May 12, 2020.

All manufacturing facilities will be required to adopt a written procedure that is at least as strict as the Phase 2 Requirements.

• Previously authorized manufacturing operations must implement all requirements under Phase 2, Manufacturing Facility COVID-19 Requirements by May 27, 2020, or may operate under a separately approved plan by the Department of Labor and Industries
• All remaining manufacturing businesses will open under Phase 2-earliest expected date for Seattle area based on current data trends is June 1  

Overview Of Phase 2 General Safety & Healthy Requirements:

All manufacturing establishments have a general obligation to keep a safe and healthy facility in accordance with state and federal law, and comply with the following COVID-19 work site-specific safety practices, as outlined in Governor Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Proclamation 20-25, and by following the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries General Requirements and Prevention Ideas for Workplaces and the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations. Employers must specifically ensure operations follow the main L&I COVID-19 requirements to protect workers combined with Governor Inslee's Phase 2 Safety and Health Requirements.

Impact Washington No-Cost Return-To-Work Readiness Assessment:

We are providing no-cost readiness assessments to help manufacturers prepare to return to work. Using funds authorized by the CARES Act, NIST issued awards to Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers for COVID-19-related projects. The first authorized usage of funds is going towards Return to Work Readiness Assessments. Additional fund phases will support the operational needs of manufactures related to COVID-19 Recovery.

The Assessment includes a full-day virtual site visit with an Impact Washington consultant followed quickly by a thoughtful implementation plan and debrief to ensure a smooth restart of your business as soon as possible. The completed Assessment will summarize, and document individual risk levels found within each facility and provide recommendations for specific workplace controls. In manufacturing environments, the potential for close contact can occur on or near production lines, receiving and packaging areas, sampling and quality rooms, and in common facility areas such as conference rooms, lunchrooms, locker rooms, restrooms, hallways, and entryways.

To get your facility on the schedule contact us HERE or call 425-438-1146.

View the COVID-19 Business Recovery Call Schedule to learn about a Return to Work Webinar in your area or listen to previous recorded Webinars