Failure to Wear Masks in the Workplace
DATE August 28, 2020
TO All Employees
FROM Ray L. Chambers, Chairman, CEO & President
SUBJECT Failure to Wear Masks in the Workplace
We recognize the continuing hardships, challenges and frustrations that remain with us since the beginning of the year. What is even more exasperating is that a solution or relief is not in clear sight. We understand that, completely.
However, simple solutions and safe practices are not unreasonable or difficult to adhere to. Unfortunately, many of us are unable or unwilling to keep our safe workplace guidelines in mind, keep the safety of our co-workers in mind, or comply with instructions that have been put in place to minimize exposure to hazards and, particularly, COVID-19.
We have been strategic in our approach, monitoring the impact of the virus upon our workplace and considering action as a result. We have taken action when necessary, and complied with guidance from governmental entities, as well as medical officials and experts. Our internal guidelines and directives have evolved and grown since our first set of recommendations in late February and early March.
Our expectations and guidance for a safe workplace were made clearer in May with the publication of our Guidelines and Plans for Maintaining Safe Workplaces and for Associates Returning to Facilities. All employees were made aware of, received and acknowledged those guidelines. Then, in July, we took an additional step at keeping our facilities and the people that work in them safer, by making mask use mandatory. All of this guidance was in addition to washing hands thoroughly, and maintaining appropriate physical distancing, and consideration of testing, and monitoring symptoms, and staying away from work when ill, and consulting with a medical professional if symptoms persist or are extreme, and just being good people.
Nevertheless, we have had several instances where some of us have failed to comply with those guidelines and the result was putting the health, safety and wellness of others at risk, as well as putting their ability to earn and make a living at risk. We can’t take those chances anymore.
As a result, we are empowering our supervisors and managers to issue disciplinary action for anyone out of compliance with our safe workplace guidelines, or engaging in behavior that is contrary, selfish and unsafe. This includes failure to wear face coverings where/when necessary, engaging in groups without appropriate distancing or wearing face coverings, or engaging in any other action that jeopardizes the health and welfare of our fellow workers generally, and as the result of a highly contagious virus that still exists and may have deadly consequences for some. It didn’t have to come to this.
This is effective immediately. We are grateful to those that are doing their best to keep our facility safe and our doors open. We see you and appreciate you. All of us can do better.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
