March 13, 2020
Several
Rory L. Gamble
Coronavirus COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Strategies
Greetings:
The UAW Health and Safety Department has been tracking the COVID-19 pandemic along with guidance
for containing and mitigating the disease. Attached is information provided by agencies such as the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA). We are asking that you please distribute the attached
documents to your membership through designated Local Health and Safety Representatives, Safety
Committees, or other pertinent personnel. In addition to the attached publications we have provided
links to additional information.
Every worker has the right to a workplace free of recognized hazards. OSHA recognizes the COVID-19
virus as a major threat to workplace health. Leadership at all facilities must be actively engaged in ongoing
communication, awareness education and hazard reduction. Health and Safety committees must review
the risk factors for exposure, and make sure that facilities follow the hierarchy of controls to eliminate
these hazards.
• Elimination: The appropriate disinfectants must be used to kill the virus on surfaces. Workers
who may be sick with the virus must be treated promptly with proper containment protocols to
avoid further spread. Chemicals must be used according to EPA and manufacturer’s guidelines to
avoid creating additional hazards.
• Engineering Controls: Ventilation must be managed to help control viruses; this includes
increased air filtration and an increase in clean makeup air. Work tasks must be designed to limit
the spread of viruses.
• Administrative Controls: Might include increasing spacing or grouping of workers, scheduling
breaks and lunches to reduce close contact. Technology allows electronic meetings to be adopted.
• Training: Workers need to understand that if they have a fever of 100.4 degrees F, a dry cough
or shortness of breath they need to isolate themselves and seek medical attention. Instructions
for when and how to wash hands are essential and supplies must be available to do so. Encourage
members to cough and sneeze into the crook of their arms and avoid touching their face as much
as possible.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Needs must be assessed and documented. Where
respirators are needed current guidance from the UAW Health and Safety Department
recommends use of powered air purifying respirators, N-95 respirators and appropriate medical
clearance for their use. Use of dust masks or surgical masks to protect workers from inhaling
Covid-19 aerosols is not recommended.
Employers must record COVID-19 infections on their OSHA 300 log as required by the .OSHA
recordkeeping requirements in 29 CFR Part 1904.
A number of research institutions are maintaining credible websites and will continue to send email
notifications of the results of the latest research on COVID-19. Several of these are listed in this
communication.
The Health and Safety Department will continue to monitor the developments of this virus and will provide
updates as they become available. Thank you for engaging your membership on this very serious topic.
It is important that we answer questions and concerns appropriately and accurately.
Please contact our Health and Safety Department if you have any questions. If you are from the Big 3
please work with your Local Health and Safety Representatives and contact your National Department
if further assistance is needed.
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Opeiu494
Attachment
cc: UAW Local Union Presidents
UAW Chairpersons
Internationally Appointed Health & Safety Representatives
UAW Local Union Health & Safety Committee Members
UAW Local Union Recording Secretaries
