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The Company is slowly and conservatively relaxing some of their pandemic protocols. Yesterday, they released a process for our members to help in this relaxation. They are setting up methods for members to voluntarily show a proof of vaccination, allowing amended mask and physical distancing protocols for those who have taken the vaccine. We have finally gotten news on the wearing of face shields when closing cutouts. The Company had a vendor test the high intensity light produced by a flash, and how our eyewear protected against this light. For now, they are staying with a 20 calorie shield, and safety glasses being worn when closing overhead cutout. This is coming about because of two flashes, one in August of 2020 and the other October of 2020. When the cutout flashes occurred, they caused eye injuries to our members. We have asked them to get the appropriate OWG's involved as they continue to look for solutions and light protection for the eyes other than the face shield. This is an ongoing discussion. The difficult issue is that medically, they know what amount of intense light causes injury, but there is no standard in the industry on protection against an arc flash. More to come….We have had some members getting jammed up when traveling to states other than those bordering New Jersey. Some have not told a supervisor or the hotline prior to the trip. This is what the process calls for. Some have not told anyone until they are being asked the question at work the morning they are returning. Save yourself the ride to work; call the hotline and let them know you traveled. If they tell you to stay home and monitor yourself, do it. That light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter. Let's follow the process; the end is hopefully sooner than later. I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day holiday and took some time to think about those who died, as it is their day to be remembered. We are the home of the free because of the brave. As always, look out for each other and watch each other's backs.
