SEATTLE, April 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA]
will resume all Commercial Airplanes production in a phased
approach at its Puget Sound-region facilities next week, after
suspending operations last month in response to the COVID-19
pandemic. At all of its sites, the company has taken extra
precautions and instituted comprehensive procedures to keep people
safe and fight the spread of COVID-19.
"The health and safety of our employees, their families and
communities is our shared priority," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing
Commercial Airplanes and senior executive in the Pacific Northwest.
"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."
Approximately 27,000 people in the Puget Sound area will return
to production of the 747, 767, 777 and 787 programs, supporting
critical global transportation infrastructure, cargo services and
national defense and security missions. The 737 program will resume
working toward restarting production of the 737 MAX. Boeing South
Carolina remains in a suspension of operations at this time.
Earlier this week Boeing restarted mostly defense production
operations in the region with approximately 2,500 people.
Employees in the Puget Sound for the 737, 747, 767 and 777 will
return as early as third shift on April
20 with most returning to work by April 21. Employees
for the 787 program will return as early as third shift
April 23, with most returning to work
by April 24.
The company's practices reinforce enhanced cleaning, employee
health and physical distancing in partnership with employees.
Aligned with federal and state guidance, these practices
include:
- Staggered shift start times to reduce the flow of employees
arriving and departing work
- Visual controls such as floor markings and signage to create
physical distance
- Face coverings will be a requirement for employees at Boeing
sites in Washington. Employees are
strongly encouraged to bring in their own procedural mask or face
covering; those who do not have a mask available will be provided
with one.
- Providing required personal protective equipment to employees
working in areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained for
an extended period
- Asking employees to perform self-health checks before coming to
work and to stay home if they are ill
- Employee wellness checks at the beginning of every shift and
voluntary temperature screening at many manufacturing
locations
- Contact tracing when an employee tests positive for COVID-19 to
reduce risk to teammates
- Continued virtual meetings and employees who can work from home
will continue to do
- Transportation and common areas adjusted for physical
distancing
- Hand-washing stations in high-traffic areas and additional
cleaning supplies available
Enhanced measures will continue until conditions allow for a
return to regular work and cleaning processes. Boeing will continue
to monitor government guidance on COVID-19, assess impact on
company operations and adjust plans as the situation evolves.
Contact
Boeing Communications
media@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing