Weekly Toolbox Talk: COVID-19 Face Mask

While recent news across the country might be confusing on the use of face mask or not, MAREK’s standard of care will not change at this time. Continue to wear your face covering over your nose and mouth and follow other guidelines.

For example, 

• On jobsites, wear a face covering over your nose and mouth. If you are performing a task requiring a respirator, face shield, or equivalent PPE according to MAREK safety guidelines, be sure to wear the appropriate PPE. A cloth face covering (such as a bandana) or surgical mask is not a replacement for a respirator or face shield when one is required.
• If you feel that you run out of breath or that you are overheated by wearing the mask, feel free to remove your face covering when no one is closer than 6ft and remember to do this as you think is necessary.
• Drink plenty of water and keep the body temperature cool by taking breaks to avoid getting overheated.
• Employees working by themselves in equipment such as a scissor lift may remove the mask when the machine is elevated and outside of contact with any other person. If the employee gets closer to another person within 6ft or less such as someone entering the machine platform or around the platform or employee leaves the platform, the face covering must be back covering the mouth and nose to avoid exposure.

Face Shields
CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings. Reusable face shields should not be shared, and they should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.