The Seattle area was an early U.S. hot spot for coronavirus infections and deaths. Washington State has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases and more than 550 deaths. But spread of the virus has slowed in recent weeks and experts have credited containment strategies put in place by government officials and businesses.
Boeing employees who return to work in the coming week will find new health and safety precautions in place, such as staggered start times and spread-out work areas, the company said. But a company spokesman, Charles Bickers, said Boeing would not test employees for the virus.
Face coverings will be required and provided to those who don’t bring their own, and other personal protective equipment will be available to employees who are unable to distance themselves from colleagues for extended periods, the company said. Signs and floor markings will remind employees to stay apart and workers will be asked to conduct wellness checks on themselves before every shift and submit to temperature screenings at many manufacturing sites.
“The health and safety of our employees, their families and communities is our shared priority,” Stan Deal, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement. “This phased approach ensures we have a reliable supply base, our personal protective equipment is readily available and we have all of the necessary safety measures in place to resume essential work for our customers.”
The returning employees will work on the company’s 747, 767, 777 and 787 planes. The company will also begin laying the groundwork to resume production of the 737 Max, pending regulatory approval after being grounded for about a year following two deadly accidents.
Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/16/business/boeing-restart-production-coronavirus.html
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