1 l 18 l 2022
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Mask, Meeting Policies Adjusted to Combat COVID-19 Surge Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID-19 Crisis Action Group (CAG) announced temporary changes to the company’s mask and meeting policies last week as the number of positive cases continues to surge.
A shipbuilder uses an industrial vending machine in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Steel Fabrication Shop. Photo by Ashley Cowan
Vending Machines Stock New Items Newport News Shipbuilding is expanding the scope of items available in Fastenal industrial vending machines across the facility. As part of the company’s efforts to increase efficiency and reduce employee travel for materials, NNS began distributing commonly used personal protective equipment (PPE) and consumables via the industrial vending machines in 2019. This week, additional items available in industrial vending machines will include paint markers, railroad chalk, batteries, scrapers and putty knives. “The increased use of industrial vending machines will not only make for a more efficient workplace, but also help to standardize consumables across the yard,” said Shakiera Mussenden (K17). Shipbuilders should look for the introduction of even more items in the vending machines throughout the year. For questions related to using Fastenal industrial vending machines, visit the NNS industrial vending machine website on MyNNS or email Vending.Machines.NNS@hii-nns.com.
Watch NNS’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Newport News Shipbuilding celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day virtually this year instead of the traditional in-person event. This year’s theme was “Today’s decisions set the stage for tomorrow’s realities.” Shipbuilders are encouraged to watch the ceremony on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app featuring NNS shipbuilders and company leaders as they commemorate the holiday and celebrate King’s legacy.
Under the updated policy, masks must be worn in indoor settings, including all covered facilities, vehicles and while in transit. Masks may be removed indoors if the employee is alone. This policy applies to all employees, regardless of vaccination status or the ability to social distance. Unvaccinated personnel must continue to wear masks outdoors unless social distancing is possible. Masks are required on commissioned Navy ships. All employees may remove their masks in the following instances at NNS: • When requested by Security for identity verification. • When wearing NNS-approved respirators to perform their job. • When performing hot work. • When eating, while maintaining social distance. • When drinking for brief periods to stay hydrated during a shift. WebEx meetings are to be held instead of in-person meetings. In cases when inperson, indoor meetings are absolutely required, masks must be worn by all participants, including the presenter. These updates supersede all other mask and meeting guidance and will be reassessed Feb.1 based on case rate data.