The entire world has been turned upside down by the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. What does a pallet company need to know and do? Honestly, this is best to have asked two months ago. But there are things you can do now for the calm after the storm.
First, the good news! The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified the pallet sector as “Critical Infrastructure” for the nation’s COVID-19 response. This designation may help the pallet sector when it comes to local quarantine orders and regulations. It is up to local and state officials to make decisions about appropriate quarantines and COVID-19 responses. Christopher C. Krebs, director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, clarified, “This list is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered to be, a federal directive or standard in and of itself.”
Depending on local or state rules, this means that many pallet companies will be allowed to stay open if businesses are closed. But sawmills and loggers may not be so lucky. Even though they are implied in the DHS directive, they are not directly stated in the policy. At least one state initially excluded sawmills from the essential business list. Everyone is waiting to see how other states react to the virus spread. In preparation, many pallet companies are building up inventory and buying lumber, especially new pallet producers.
Some pallet companies have reported that long-standing customers are being forced to shut down. This will affect some order files. At the same time, other pallet companies are having their phones ring off the hook.
For more information, see the statement at https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce. Now, that you can likely work, think about how best to reduce COVID-19 contagion.
The Pallet Enterprise staff will be posting the latest COVID-19 information on the Pallet Enterprise LinkedIn Group. Please join the discussion and share your thoughts. Ask to join for FREE and access our content at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8133689/
Responding in the Middle of the Crisis
• Prepare for the current crisis to last more than what “experts” are saying. Be prepared for customers to ramp up some things and shut down others. Some companies may convert their operations to produce something in demand, especially medical equipment and supplies.
• If someone at your workplace comes down with COVID-19, a thorough cleaning and disinfection is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Areas to be cleansed should be closed off and well ventilated. If possible, wait up to 24 hours before beginning cleaning and disinfection. See recommended cleaning procedures below.
• Worker training is something that can be easy to ignore in a crisis situation. OSHA could fine companies for not properly training workers on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infectious disease control protocols. While there is no specific OSHA regulation written specifically for COVID-19, OSHA has released general guidance on the situation. And there are a number of areas that code apply including the General Duty Clause (codified at Section 5(a)(1) of OSH Act), Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR 1910), Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), HazCom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), OSHA’s Sanitation Standard (29 CFR 1910.141) and possibly the Recordkeeping Requirements (29 CFR 1910.1904).
• Given that you may be down some workers, cross-training is important right now for machinery operators and even supervisors. Make sure that you have some redundancies.
• If you are requiring employees to take actions to deal with COVID-19, you need to provide training to all affected workers. Ensure that training covers languages used in your facility. Document training so that you have proof.
• The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) recently offered a COVID-19 webinar to members. During the presentation, safety lawyer and expert Adele Abrams suggested that companies not require employees to wear face masks to deal with the virus threat. The problem is that the government may need masks for true medical emergencies. Plus, if you require it, you have to provide them, train on proper usage and monitor that employees are following procedures. The typical masks used may not work well for those with facial hair.
• Any COVID-19 safety practices should be continued as long as the contagion is a serious threat. You don’t want to get serious about cleaning and contagion prevention for a month and then let workers blow it off.
• Some companies are instituting cleaning procedures between shifts/operators for machinery controls and work stations. This helps ensure that one worker will not infect another.
• Commonly used areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens or break rooms, can also lead to virus transmission. These areas should be regularly cleaned and monitored. Appropriate social distancing should be maintained for these areas where employees tend to congregate.
• If you operate a facility in a prison or use prison labor, be aware that there is significant concern about rapid transmission in confined populations. You may want to discontinue using this labor source for the time being or at least separate from other workers.
• Many pallet companies are working to develop safety stock where possible in case a facility must be shut down for cleaning or due to lack of workers. Pallet customers should also buy some safety stock right now where possible.
• Keep tabs on the news about federal policies and assistance to employers. This is still a moving target. But it looks like the federal government will be providing some assistance to workers and small businesses affected by emergency shutdowns.
• The NWPCA is developing resources specifically for its members in regards to the coronavirus. Call the association at 703-519-6104 or visit https://www.palletcentral.com/page/covid19.
• Prepare your office employees to work remotely if possible. This may involve instituting new server technology or cloud-based solutions.
• Companies should implement workplace controls for COVID-19 contagion. The three key areas that should be considered are: engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE.
• Follow your own guidelines, policies and rules. One of the ways you will get in trouble with OSHA is if you don’t practice what you say you will do.
• COVID-19 costs need to be integrated into your pricing and business practices.
• Prepare for trucking shortages in the near term. Trucking demand has spiked as consumers have rushed to the stores. Even while fuel is at significant lows, trucking capacity may be stretched at some points.
Planning and Brainstorming for Life Beyond COVID-19
This nightmare will end. And the world will look different even if the crisis quickly goes away. The longer the pandemic lasts, the more change we will see. You need to emotionally prepare yourself for the need to adapt and look for new interim and possibly even long-term customers.
• Just like any society mobilization, companies may shift production focus in the near and long-term. Be ready to find those customers and provide them pallets.
• Develop a Business Continuity Plan that involves multiple stages of cuts and pivots. This involves defining which employees are essential. Smart company owners will define essential expenses as well as raw material supply lines that must be preserved at all costs. Owners will need to decide how much risk they want to take and how they want to position in this crisis to either just hunker down or to grow.
• Brainstorm with your key managers and staff possible scenarios for the COVID-19 crisis. What strategies should you consider? Which ones will be enticing but could cause long-term damage?
• Decide what you want your company to look like after this current situation. What major change do you need to make to achieve that goal?
• Use this opportunity to reach out to customers and listen. See how you can help them in this crisis moment.
• Treat people well during the crisis. Everyone is stressed. How you treat people now will be remembered in the future.
Top COVID-19 Response Links
Cleaning Protocols and Best Practices
OSHA COVID-19 Control and Prevention Recommendations
CDC Interim Guidance for Employers
Family Medical Leave Act and COVID-19
Employer Legal Q&A from Staff of the National Law Review
Myths Debunked About COVID-19
Coronavirus Causes Postponement of EXPO Richmond Until October 2020
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has led public officials to limit large gatherings, which has forced the postponement or cancellation of many forest products industry events. The EXPO Richmond, which has become the largest show in the United States featuring live equipment demonstrations and display equipment for pallet machinery, was set to take place on May 1-2nd at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The event is put on every two years by the Virginia Forest Products Association. EXPO Richmond has become a must-attend show for those looking to see the latest and greatest technology in person.
EXPO Richmond was canceled for its previously scheduled time. Lesley Moseley, executive director of the Virginia Forest Products Association, commented, “Our top priority is the safety and health of our exhibitors, guests, vendors, staff and community. Therefore, due to COVID-19 concerns, EXPO Richmond 2020 will not be held May 1-2. We have decided to hold the event on an alternate day of October 9-10, 2020.”
The Pallet Enterprise is going to cover the show including some of the top innovations in an upcoming issue. Please stay tuned for more coverage.
