CDC recommendations to slow the spread of the Coronavirus
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced a plan to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Heat and Frost Insulators News and Events
AFL-CIO: COVID-19 pandemic daily brief, March 19
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has shared a brief on March 19 at 11:30 am with the following information to be shared as resources within their affiliated Unions.
Canadian Federal Programs amidst COVID-19
Blog created on March 19 at 2 p.m. EST: This is an update regarding the March 18 Canadian federal government response regarding the Emergency Funds being supplied to Canadian citizens during the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Insulators applaud the passing of a Coronavirus relief package
President Trump signed into law a Coronavirus aid, which was overwhelmingly approved by Congress.
CPWR Initial Guidance on COVID-19
In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now:
• If you are feeling sick, do not go to work.• Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
• Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands
are visibly dirty.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing,
sneezing or blowing your nose.
Construction industry employers should also:
• Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.• Provide soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
• Provide hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
• If you work in healthcare facilities, train your workers in Infection Control RiskAssessment—for
information on this training program offered through CPWR, visit: https://www.cpwr.com/training/infection-control-risk-assessment-icra
Special guidance for travel:
Individuals at high risk for complications from COVID-19 should follow the current CDC’s guidance:• Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased
risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19. People in high-risk groups should consult
with their healthcare provider about attending large events. (See: CDCguidance)
• Older adults and travelers with underlying health conditions should avoid situations that put them at
increased risk for more severe disease. This entails avoiding crowded places and avoiding nonessential travel such as long plane trips. (See: CDC guidance for travel)
Additional links from our Federal Government Partners:
From OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/From NIOSH: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/2019_ncov.html
From CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
From CDC for Employers about getting their businesses ready: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Finish 2019 with routine health maintenance
As the calendar year draws to a close, it is a good time for Insulators and their families to remember to perform some necessary maintenance around the house, such as change the battery in all smoke alarms, replace the furnace filter and shut off the water to the outdoor spigot.
The next step in the battle against mesothelioma
Dr. Michael Harbut, a world-renowned researcher and physician with several decades of experience treating asbestos exposed patients, leads a team of occupational hazard researchers at the St. John Providence Health System in Michigan. Harbut is the medical advisor to The Breath of Life Foundation since inception in 2009 and continues to be a trusted partner with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. Dr. Harbut is available if any members of our Insulators Union family have questions regarding diagnosis or the approach your doctor might be taking for as asbestos-related disease. Dr. Harbut can be reached at 248-849-3107.