We are in the middle of this Covid-19 pandemic.

So many people are sick and have died that I expect that almost everyone knows of someone who has the virus. Hopefully we are coming to the point where the increases in the number of the sick and those who have died is leveling off and may be headed down.

More and more, our collective attention will turn to getting the economy going again and people going back to work. Balancing the medical and economic needs will be difficult. There will be a lot of thought going into this and a lot of debate about just who should go back to work and when.

As people begin to return to work, there may likely be requirements to wear a face mask of some sort so that someone who is still carrying the virus, without knowing it, will be less likely to transmit it to someone else. The challenges, as we go into our workplaces, will be around social distancing and when and where to wear face masks. Social distancing will be difficult or even impossible in some jobs.

Our supervisors and managers will have to talk with everyone so that the ground rules are clear and everyone will follow them. There will have to be good discussions with the unions, if there is one in your workplace. It is also important to realize that OSHA rules remain in the picture under the General Duty Clause, requiring the companies to provide a safe workplace.

Our teams and work crews may not have everyone back to work, for a variety of reasons, so it is important that management and the people talk fully together about how to make the adjustments so the work can be done safely.

It will be a hazardous time as people come back to work and things start up. Anytime we are in a period of change like this, safety becomes a bigger issue. We all need to look out for each other and help each other. Having a respectful, caring work environment is really important so we can all get through the next few months safely. We all need each other, so please be fully present and vigilant.

The Edge of Chaos

This pandemic has created a lot of change and instability in our society. The FDA and the CDC have changed or suspended many rules and regulations in order to attack the pandemic and save lives. It is a period of high energy and creativity as people everywhere are coming up with ways to help people. Industries have shifted to making PPE-like face masks. The foodservice industry has shifted to take out and delivery. This creativity and positive energy is gratifying.

However, when we return to work, we will be tempted to change things because some of our team mates are missing or the patterns of work have changed, we must be very careful. If you see a need to change things, get together with everyone who is involved and talk about the situation and what should be done. Make the changes and adjustments, but do it after careful consideration so no one gets hurt or the processes get spoiled.

Change is important. We just need to be deliberate and be thoughtful, engaging those involved (operator, mechanics, supervisors, engineers, etc.) so we get the best thinking and do the right things. As we consider the management of change, we also need to document the changes carefully.

These difficult times require all of us to be alert, respectful and caring.