Ensuring associate safety – face coverings
As DENSO campuses reopen, safety protocols have been put in place for the safety of all associates. One of these protocols is wearing a face covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, which is carried through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
And while face coverings may not protect you from the virus, it may keep you from spreading the virus (which you may have without knowing it/having symptoms) to others. We know there is a lot of conflicting information available, which can be confusing. Here are a few common myths:
Myth: Masks don’t work
Fact: Researchers at Hong Kong University and the University of Maryland found that properly wearing a mask lowered the transmission rate of the virus through droplets by 50-75%.
Myth: Masks allow carbon dioxide (CO2) to accumulate and can make you sick.
Fact: According to the CDC, CO2 will slowly build up in the mask over time. Some people may have a mild headache after wearing a mask for 1-2 hours, but doing so WILL NOT cause hypercapnia (abnormal/elevated CO2 in the blood).
Myth: Wearing a mask keeps me safe
Fact: Wearing a face covering is one of many activities, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and disinfecting/sanitizing surfaces that, when combined, will help protect you from the virus.
The bottom line – we are trying to slow the spread of the virus by social distancing and wearing face coverings. Please respect your fellow associates by not wearing face coverings with inappropriate and/or offensive messages or images. Examples of inappropriate content include, but are not limited to, weapons, drugs, alcohol or company/organizational messages or logos other than DENSO (logos of professional sports teams are permitted.
Based on comments from our pulse survey, we understand many of you are concerned about associates who may not follow DENSO safety protocols. We are committed to providing a successful and safe return to work for all associates. Leadership and TMS team members across NA have guidelines to ensure associates are adhering to COVID-19 processes, countermeasures and safety requirements.
We are all responsible for ensuring one another’s safety – if you witness someone not following safety protocols, please discuss with them or contact your TMS representative. Any associate refusing to follow behaviors outlined in the NA Risk Minimization Playbook will face disciplinary actions, which range from warnings to termination, please see your local Associate Handbook for more details.