DOL publishes COVID-19 posters in multiple languages; Absentee Voting in Iowa; AIHA Publishes Returning To Work: Construction Environment Document

posted in: Industry Advocacy, Safety | 0

In our effort to continue to provide MBI members with the most up to date information on issues pertaining to COVID-19 in the construction industry, we are continuously updating our MBI Blog. MBI compiled a list of guidance and informational websites for your team to review. This site will serve as our main communication link throughout the COVID-19 crisis and will include all new information going forward. Also, AGC of America has offered additional information on their site. Again, it is recommended that you reference this site often as it is being continuously updated: https://www.agc.org/coronavirus-covid-19

A New Resource from US DOL to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in 11 Additional Languages

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has translated and published its “Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus” poster in 11 additional languages.

Currently available in English and Spanish, the poster highlights 10 infection prevention measures every employer should implement to protect workers’ safety and health during the coronavirus pandemic. Safety measures include encouraging sick workers to stay home; establishing flexible worksites and staggered work shifts; discouraging workers from using other workers’ phones, desks and other work equipment; and using Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.

The poster is available for download in the following languages:

Visit OSHA’s Publications webpage for other useful workplace safety information.

The additional translations are OSHA’s latest effort to educate and protect America’s workers and employers during the coronavirus pandemic. In response to President Trump’s action to increase the availability of general use respirators, OSHA has issued a series of guidance documents that expand access to respirators in the workplace. OSHA has also published Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, its guidance aimed at helping workers and employers learn about ways to protect themselves and their workplaces during the ongoing pandemic.

Visit OSHA’s coronavirus webpage frequently for updates. For further information about coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

Voting Absentee in Iowa in the Face of COVID-19

With the upcoming primary elections being held on June 2, 2020, we wanted to make sure you understood that the Iowa Secretary of State is encouraging Iowans to vote via absentee ballot during this time.  The Iowa Secretary of State has made absentee voting simple.  All you need to do is click on this link, fill out the form and mail it back to your County Auditor’s office.

American Industrial Hygiene Association Publishes Guidance

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), a nonprofit working in consultation with OSHA, has provided free resources to Iowa employers and employees designed to limit transmission of the COVID-19 virus while operating a wide variety of businesses.  Founded in 1939, the American Industrial Hygiene Association is one of the largest international associations serving the needs of industrial/occupational hygiene professionals practicing in industry, government, labor, academic institutions, and independent organizations.  More importantly and recently, AIHA has put together a guidance document entitled “Returning to Work:  Construction Environment.”  This document has helpful tips to return to normal business operations.

AGC of America Urgent Action Alert

Tell the Trump Administration and Congress to fix Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to save construction jobs. Confusing guidance from the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration (SBA), and inflexible rules written by Congress threaten the ability of construction businesses to access, hold onto, and use PPP loans to protect construction jobs.  You can do that by following the instructions here.