As State agencies consider bringing more and more employees back into the workplace, it is crucial that they provide COVID controls to the greatest extent possible. Especially now, when we are seeing spikes in COVID across the State and across the country. Otherwise, as workplace density increases, so does the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19.

Experience up till this point has been that workers are just as productive, if not more, working remotely during this pandemic. Lower density in the workplace is a major control measure for COVID. It allows for greater social distancing and less potential for exposure to the virus. But now it seems that the State is intent on bringing all the workers back. Even though at this point there has been an increase in COVID cases across the state, and a vaccine is not expected until 2021. Sadly, the restrictions and guidelines the State has for private sector businesses are not used for their own worksites. Their “Reopening New York Office Based Work Guidelines” still require businesses to be at 50% capacity. State Agencies should follow the same guidelines (seen here https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/OfficesSummaryGuidelines.pdf ).

In the PEF Toolkit for PEF Activists for return to work activities, there are more details of what should be in place for a safer return to work following the lockdown. Our Health & Safety and Labor/Management Committees have been using that Toolkit to push for concrete information from management representatives as workers are being brought back into the workplace. But we need your help.

Employees deserve to feel safe in their workplace. Teachers across the country have lifted their voices in their “Not Until It’s Safe” campaign –– fighting for protections for their members. So are we. If the State continues on this ill-advised path, and you are in an agency that has returned more people to the worksite, you can help us fight for your safety and health by providing us with details from your workplace using the new COVID Controls Checklist on the following pages.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and a thousand voices can be heard for miles. So use the checklist to document what is happening in your workplace, and if COVID controls, especially masking, social distancing, and barrier methods, are in place or not. Let us know what you are walking into! Document your workplace draw a picture, write a summary or audio blog it. BE CAREFUL NOT TO VIOLATE ANY WORK RULES IN DOING SO. Contact your PEF Steward or Field Representative with any questions on what you can or cannot do.

The information you are providing is crucial for PEF address COVID concerns in your workplace. Your PEF Local Leaders and Statewide Representatives will use this information to address concerns at both your workplace and on a statewide level. This will involve your Local Council Leader, Stewards, Labor Management and Health and Safety Committees.

The latest information on COVID and other issue important to you are sent out through the PEF Action Network. If you are not receiving those emails, you may sign up at https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-for-email-notifications. To update your information, call PEF at 800-342-4306 or 518-785-1900, or email jcarpenter@pef.org. Please only use your personal cell phone and email for contact information.

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* 1. Date:

Date

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* 2. Agency:

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* 3. Work Location (Street address):

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* 4. Name of Person Filling out Form:

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* 5. Position Held in Union (if applicable):

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* 6. Contact (personal phone and email):

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* 7. Does your agency have a phased-in plan:

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* 8. How much notice were you given?

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* 9. Do you feel that was adequate notice for a return to work?

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* 10. What percent (estimated) of the total workforce is back in your workplace?

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* 11. How many days a week are employees in the office?

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* 12. Is there a dedicated entrance and exit for employees?

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* 13. Is the entrance marked for social distancing?

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* 14. Are the elevators limited to 50% capacity (but no more than 4 passengers) and allow for social distancing between passengers?

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* 15. Are the floors marked for 6’ distances where people may congregate?

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* 16. Are workstations 6’ or more apart (pay attention here to set up – if 2 people share a 12’ space, but furniture takes up some of that space, then they are NOT 6’ apart)

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* 17. Are there dividers or barriers in between close spaces (these should be at least 5’ high)

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* 18. Are cubicles occupied side to side or back to back (instead of facing each other)

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* 19. Are tight spaces, narrow hallways, and aisles marked as one way directional traffic

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* 20. Are spaces well-ventilated?

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* 21. What is the MERV rating for HVAC filters?

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* 22. What are the ventilation settings for:

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* 23. Are staff meetings or other organizational meetings held virtually?

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* 24. For in-person meetings or trainings - are meeting spaces restricted to no more than 50% capacity, and allow for at least 6’ of distance between occupants

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* 25. Is signage for “Face Coverings”, “Hand Hygiene”, and “Social Distancing” posted?

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* 26. Are face coverings provided?

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* 27. Is hand sanitizer made available?

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* 28. Are cleaning and disinfection supplies available for individual work spaces?

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* 29. Are high touch areas cleaned and disinfected at least daily?

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* 30. Is there a log posted that notes the dates/times of cleaning done?

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* 31. Are face coverings policies enforced?

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* 32. Are social distancing policies enforced?

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* 33. Do you or your co-workers take mass transportation to work?

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* 34. Are adjusted work schedules made available to allow avoidance of rush hour on public transportation?

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* 35. Is there a system for reporting workplace concerns?

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* 36. Has training been provided for:

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Basic COVID information
The agency –specific COVID plans and controls
Proper mask wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene practices
Screening and symptom monitoring
Proper cleaning and disinfection procedures

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* 37. Do you know who your PEF Steward is and how to contact them?

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* 38. Do you know who your PEF Council Leader is and how to contact them?

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* 39. FOR FACILITY-BASED WORKSITES: Are you: 

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* 40. FOR FACILITY-BASED WORKSITES: Have you been provided with the proper PPE for your job duties?

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* 41. FOR FACILITY-BASED WORKSITES: If you are required to wear an N95 – have you been fit tested?

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* 42. FOR FACILITY-BASED WORKSITES: Does the facility have designated zones for Quarantine and Medical Isolation?

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* 43. FOR FACILITY-BASED WORKSITES: Does the facility have a plan for restricting or closing programs during a resurgence?

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