The KY DOC is mandating cloth facemasks to be worn by all staff and inmates. This number is several thousand people. employees have the option to wear the DOC masks or to make their own. DOC is trying to pass this off as PPE, as it's for
employee/inmate safety. Complainant pointed out that is twas not PPE and some of the dangers of wearing the cloth masks a coupld of weeks, so they allowed complainant and others to work from home. However, this is ending and employees are returning to work, but are still required to wear the masks. The masks are being worn for several hours (staff wear them 8 to 12 shifts, inmates any time they leave their living areas) at a time and no way to keep them clean. Complainant has been told by other employees that they are having a difficult time breathing with them on. This makes an already dangerous environment of a prison even worse. Additionally, steps and flooring are typically concrete in the prison setting. There has been limited training in the use of the masks. I know of only one CBT for this and it consisted of wash them and try not to touch them. When complainant requested to be issued additional PPE instead of the cloth masks, they were told they had to supply their own, as the state wasn't going to supply anything but the cloth masks, including breathing problems they are causing. Complainant feels it is irresponsible for the state to make these manditory (threatening disciplinary action with non-compliance/requiring employees to take time off.
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2020-05-19
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2020-05-19
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