September 2020 MiMfg Magazine 15
COVID-19 has changed the look of the workplace with
measures like social distancing, personal protection and
wellness checks implemented at facilities like Aludyne’s.
Our continued vigilance is critical to the state’s
economic recovery. Ensuring worker safety is
a long-standing ethic in manufacturing. To help
keep everyone safe, we encourage everyone to
practice all of the safety practices recommended
by leading health experts, including social
distancing, frequent handwashing, and
wearing masks in public places.
— John J. Walsh, MMA President & CEO
think about unexpected priorities like contact
tracing, asking about who employees have been in
contact with, making decisions about how many
people need to self-isolate. These can all have huge
ramifications on your business and put you in the
line of fire between proper COVID-19 response and
conflict with existing regulations.”
In order to protect their business and their employees,
Radler encourages manufacturers to remember that
pre-COVID-19 regulations are still in effect. Even
as you are being asked to inquire about symptoms
and potential exposure, the Americans with Disabilities
Act and other rules about medical privacy
and prohibiting disability discrimination still apply.
HR teams should connect with their legal and
risk-mitigation teams to stay aware of how new
policies could violate existing regulations.
Remaining Flexible in Uncertain Times
Many unknowns lay ahead in the coming
months, including the possibility of a second
COVID-19 wave, parallel influenza outbreaks and
the logistics of ongoing virtual schooling.
The leadership team at Franklin Fastener is
already working tirelessly to prepare for further
disruption that may be caused by the pandemic.
“There’s too much that we can’t predict right
now. It’s essential to incorporate flexibility into your
response where possible,” said Hayes. “While we
want to have everyone back in the facility, that’s just
not plausible under current circumstances so it’s
important to do what you can where you can.”
With no predictable timetable for resolution,
Franklin Fastener, AFC-Holcroft, Aludyne and
others prioritize an open mind and adapting normal
workplace policies with existing employee needs.
“We relaxed our attendance policies so that if an
employee does come into contact with COVID,
they don’t have to fear being penalized for being
careful,” explained Zbiegien. “It’s about being flexible
and pro-employee. We’re all just learning about this.
We want to keep our people safe and support them
as much as we can.”
What’s Next?
Manufacturers will need to continue to adapt,
innovate and stay informed to overcome this crisis.
MMA continues to advocate for the industry to drive
the post-pandemic economic recovery. Our team is
working directly with the Governor, legislative
leaders, state and federal regulators and top legal
professionals to provide you with clear and credible
information as circumstances continue to change at
a mind-boggling speed.
“While there are ongoing challenges, there are
also opportunities,” said Walsh. “Our goal is to cut
through the noise and empower you to do what you
do best.”
For the latest COVID-19-related regulations
and compliance resources, go to mimfg.org/
covid19-resources and make sure you’re getting your
e-mail updates from MMA for the latest news (see
bottom of page 19 for details).
For answers to human resource policy issues like
the CARES Act and unemployment, contact
MMA’s Dave Worthams at [email protected]
or 517-487-8511. 6
Brett Gerrish is MMA’s communications
coordinator. He may be reached at
[email protected] or 517-487-8533.