Boeing is currently resuming production of commercial aircraft in Puget Sound after having paused operations in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The manufacturer has therefore adopted additional precautionary measures and integrated complex procedures for the employees` maximal safety and termination of COVID-19 spread.
"The health and safety of our employees, their families and communities is our shared priority. This phased approach ensures we have a reliable supply base, our personal protective equipment is readily available and we have all of the necessary safety measures in place to resume essential work for our customers", -
as stated by Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
About 27 thousand employees in the region will restart working on the production of such airplanes as Boeing 747, 767, 777 and 787 programs, contributing to the crucial transport infrastracture worldwide, including cargo traffic and missions of national security and defense.
Around a week ago Boeing already resumed operations with about 2.5 thousand people employed, but mostly for defense production only.
Boeing 737 project will go on with manufacturing of 737 MAX model.
The workers in Puget Sound are returning to their shifts by April 21 for the 737, 747, 767 and 777 models, and by April 24 for Boeing 787.
However, company`s operations at facilities in South Carolina are still suspended.
The manufacturer has introduced intensified cleansing and employee distancing requirements in accordance with federal and state instructions.
The measures include:
- Face covering requirement (employees who do not have their own procedural mask will receive one);
- Signage and visual floor markings for physical distance;
- Adjustment of common areas and transportation for easier distancing;
- Reduction of arriving/departing flow of workers by staggered shift start time;
- Regular health checks, including voluntary self-checks at home before the shift;
- Hand-washing and other cleaning facilities in highly attended areas;
- Continued work from home for whoever possible, virtual meetings maintained;
- Tracking of all contacts for employees tested COVID-19 positive to lower contagion risk for the others.
Boeing will keep monitoring COVID-19 guidance from the state authorities and adapt its stategy as the situation changes.
In the meantime increased safety measures will be maintained.