Good Afternoon,
Yesterday, at our monthly supervisors meeting, several important questions came up that I want to share with the entire organization.
First, I would like to reemphasize that we have two main goals as an organization – to provide a safe and convenient transportation system for the people of Washtenaw County and to keep our employees safe. As an employer, we are obligated to follow workplace rules set out by state and local officials. Over the past 4 months, these rules have changed at sometimes dizzying speeds and we have done our best to keep up. I know many of these rules may be stricter than what you choose to follow in your personal time, but they remain the rules here at WCRC and we need you to follow them.
Here are the main questions from yesterday’s supervisors meeting:
- Why did our protocols get stricter in June compared to earlier this spring during the height of the pandemic in Michigan?
This certainly is confusing to many employees. The rules are stricter now because we have received stricter guidance from state and local officials. In addition, as we began to expand what duties are permissible, we had to ramp-up protocols to keep people safe and stay in compliance with local and state mandates.
For example: Masks for the general public were discouraged by national, state and local health departments in March. Then, very suddenly in early-April, masks were required in certain situations and employers were obligated to provide them to all employees.
- When will drinking fountains be reopened for employees?
After discussing it as a group yesterday, we have decided to reopen the bottle refilling stations while keeping the drinking fountains themselves taped off, effective today. Water has always been available at the faucets in each break room. Please do not congregate around water sources and continue to sanitize between uses.
The fountains were closed in an effort to follow the guidelines from the health department to reduce common touch points. I know it was confusing to see the fountains open for much of the spring and then closed in June.
Bagged ice is also available for employees. The ice chests are located near the shop at the main yard. Check-in with Jeff Mann before taking ice. Remember only supervisors are permitted in the shop at this time so please call Jeff or work through your supervisor if necessary.
- How long will we have to wear face coverings at work?
I wish I could provide a timeline. Face masks are required at WCRC because they are required by the governor’s executive order. We will require face masks as long as state and local officials require them.
As a reminder, face masks must be worn inside a WCRC facility whenever an employee leaves their assigned workspace (office, cubical, vehicle). Face masks must also be worn if you cannot maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing while completing indoor or outdoor work activities.
- Can two people ride in a vehicle together?
While it is still discouraged, I understand there are times when it is unavoidable. If multiple employees must ride together, everyone in the vehicle is required to wear a mask or face covering.
I know this whole situation is getting really old for everyone. I too look forward to the day when we can gather face-to-face without masks and resume many of our in-person activities like we could before COVID. Unfortunately, it appears that day is still a way away.
Please continue to do your part to keep each other safe at work. I really appreciate all the efforts you have been making over the past 4 months and I know we can keep it going.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your supervisor, director or me.
Finally, it looks like we will once again have a warm, sunny summer weekend. Please take time to relax and enjoy it!
Take care and stay safe,
Sheryl
