January
25
by varesha mauney on 1/25/2022 05:35 PM
COVID-19 is still a major health issue right now for our communities and it puts at risk required levels of staffing to ensure stable operations. We should all do our best to protect ourselves and our coworkers, using the proven tools of vaccinations, masking, social distancing, self-evaluation of symptoms, testing and quarantine if needed.
This week, the Federal Government set up a website where you can order COVID-19 test kits for self-use at home. Each household can order up to 4 test kits, shipped out within 7-12 days. You can order your test kits now so you have them when needed, by going to www.COVIDtests.gov. If you need to be tested now, the site also has resources for free testing locations in your state or you can check with your doctor or insurance carrier.
If you have questions, please speak with your supervisor to ensure you are meeting the latest protocol for employment.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work through these times of rapid change. As always, the health and safety of our employees is our top priority. You can speak with your supervisor or email staysafe@bhienergy.com for additional information.
Zach Taylor | Vice President, Center of Excellence
January
24
by Andy Jordan on 1/24/2022 04:25 PM
Date: January 14, 2022
To: Duke Energy Contractors
Subject: Update: Compliance with Federal Vaccination and Testing Requirements
Thank you once again for your commitment to delivering for our company and customers. As stated in the Jan. 11 communication, this is a dynamic time as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Duke Energy has been closely monitoring the legal challenges to the vaccination and testing provisions in the federal COVID-19 Action Plan.
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), a rule that would require, among other things, vaccination or weekly testing for employees of companies with 100 or more employees. The case will now go back to a lower court for review if OSHA decides to continue to pursue its case.
As a result of this ruling, the enhanced face covering requirement for unvaccinated workers is no longer in effect at Duke Energy.
We will also no longer require weekly testing of unvaccinated Duke Energy employees that was scheduled to begin in Feb. 9 and expect that contractors may no longer require the same for their unvaccinated employees. However, as you know, testing is still a tool in CDC’s guidance on when employees can return to work after COVID-19 exposures and positive cases.
While the enhanced face covering requirements under the ETS will no longer be in effect, it’s important for our contractors to still follow CDC guidance and comply with face covering requirements certain local governments still have in place.
Duke Energy’s face covering requirements:
- All contractors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face covering indoors when social distancing may not be possible or where state or local requirements are more
- All contractors must also wear face coverings when entering, exiting, and walking within a Duke Energy facility and in Duke Energy common areas.
Duke Energy contractors affected by these provisions are expected to relay this information to their subcontractors.
Please share this communication with appropriate business managers supporting Duke Energy. For questions, please reach out to your Duke Energy contract commercial contact.
There have been no changes to date on Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, from our Jan. 11 communication.
We will continue to monitor the status of these legal challenges and keep you informed of developments.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Sincerely,
Dwight Jacobs
Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer Duke Energy
Melissa Feldmeier
Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer Duke Energy
