Coronavirus Resources

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a serious issue that is hitting MTI members from a lot of different angles in business, staffing, and operations. Below, MTI has assembled a full set of resources for members to access to help you understand the impact of COVID-19 on your heat treat company, and keys to navigating the challenges members are facing.

RECENT SURVEY OF MTI MEMBERS ON 3-KEY QUESTIONS ON COVID-19
Survey Week of August 17, 2020

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on your monthly sales since January?



What percentage of your employees have you furloughed since January over COVID-19?



What percentage of your employees have you laid off since January over COVID-19?


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STATS:  CURRENT COVID-19 STATS
Worldwide:  CLICK HERE
By Country:   CLICK HERE
USA:  CLICK HERE
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DOCUMENTS:  SBA NOTICES ON PPP LOAN "NEED AUDIT" AND LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION
SBA NOTICE ON PPP "NEED" AUDIT - CLICK HERE
- SBA PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION NOTICE:  CLICK HERE 
- SBA PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION:  CLICK HERE
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DOCUMENT:   BEST PRACTICES FOR PLANT HYGIENE IN COVID-19 ERA
This best practices document was published by the American Industrial Hygiene Association on workplace cleaning in the COVID-19 era.  This is a must read document for every plant. 

CLICK HERE view document.
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DOCUMENT:  STATE BY STATE TRACKER OF RESTRICTIONS
MultiState tracker of state and local stay in place and mass gathering restrictions; MultiState has this additional rundown on essential operations of state and local stay in place and mass gathering restrictions; MultiState has this additional rundown on essential operations.

CLICK HERE view state tracker.

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DOCUMENTNAM STATE BY STATE TRACKER OF RESTRICTIONS
With more states beginning to explore partial or phased reopening of business, NAM has refreshed their state tracker to help members and partners easily navigate and access the latest state shutdown and reopening information. NAM is working closely with their network of state partners to understand and shape these orders to ensure manufacturers can continue delivering their essential products and services.

CLICK HERE view state tracker.
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DOCUMENT:  PAYROLL PROTECTION ACT FINAL RULES BY GOVERNMENT
The document linked below are the final rules approved by the U.S. government for the PPP act.

CLICK HERE view PPP document.
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DOCUMENT:  FAMILY FIRST RESPONSE ACT REQUIRED POSTED
The PDF file at the following link is a required posted every business is to display in a general location in your operations outlining the key elements for employees in the Family First Response Act.  Please download and post.

CLICK HERE to download poster. 
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DOCUMENT:  SUMMARY OF $2.2 TRILLION CARES ACT

The following is a comprehensive outline of the New $2.2 trillion CARES bill passed by Congress and the programs available to small and medium size companies for relief during the COVID-19 crisis.

CLICK HERE to view summary outline from U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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DOCUMENT:  LETTER DEFINING YOUR COMPANY AS "ESSENTIAL" DURING SHUTDOWNS
Many states are shutting down businesses not deemed "essential" and "life sustaining" during the CROVID-19 crisis.  MTI's leadership has approved a letter for your use to provide to any state or national government official that demonstrates you are an essential and life sustaining business.

CLICK HERE to download letter.
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DOCUMENT: EVERY VISITOR SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SIGN BEFORE VISITING YOUR PLANT
This document is to be given to any visitor who is scheduled to visits your plant to read and sign.  The document informs them if they have recently visited a country with active COVID-19 cases or have shown any symptoms, they will be refused entry into your plant.

CLICK HERE to download letter.
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LIVE WEBCAST - APRIL: 
Nadcap, COVID-19 and Compliance

MTI's Tom Morrison interviews Mark Burval from Nadcap and three leaders from the MTI Technical Standards Committee on the recent notice sent out by PRI on how they will be handling audits, deadlines and compliance issues during the COVID-19 crisis. A must see for any quality department.


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LIVE WEBCAST - APRIL:
 
COVID-19: BEST PRACTICES WITH PAYABLES, PAYROLL AND BANKERS


MTI's Tom Morrison will interview three MTI member business owners on key elements and best practices every owner or key executives needs to know as you navigate through the COVID-19 impact. Topics to be discussed include:

- How to handle changing payables
- Relationship with your bankers
- Cash sweep vs. offset debt
- Creative ideas to lower payroll without losing good people
- Should you spread your cash to more than one bank
- What do you cut or not cut in costs
- Navigating the Payroll Assistance Program

 
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WEBINAR - APRIL:  WEBINAR BY NAVIGATING ASSISTANCE FROM GOV'T CARES ACT

This is a free 2-hour webinar held on Friday, April 3 by MTI's CPA firm, Withum Advisors.  The webinar unpacks the key areas of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act passed by Congress and financial assistance options.  You will learn how you can benefit and gain valuable financial assistance during COVID-19 crisis.



CLICK HERE to download pdf of slides. 

CLICK HERE to view other Withum resources breaking down CARES Act
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LIVE WEBCAST - APRIL:
   MTI 2020 PRESIDENT'S BRIEFING


On Tuesday, April 7 MTI's 2020 President, Jim Oakes from Super Systems and MTI's Tom Morrison shared the latest developments on how members are dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.  Both discuss recent survey results from the COVID impact on heat treaters as well as the top 10 actions you need to take.  Click below to view replay.


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WEBINAR - MARCH:  ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON FORECASTS

This webinar from March 19th, presented by ITR Economics, will leave attendees with greater clarity regarding the future, confidence in executing that future, and the means to share the reasons “why” with their teams. This in turn will enable them to position themselves to maximize their profitability. Profitability can be had in good times and bad, you just have to know what to expect.

CLICK HERE to Replay Webinar

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WEBCAST - MARCH:   Impact of Federal Coronavirus Response Act

The U.S. government is passing through legislation to help small to medium size businesses to deal with the financial impact of the coronavirus. Note that this bill has yet to go before the US Senate. Information contained is very fluid and may change at any time. However, it is important for you to understand how you can leverage the resources in this bill for your company. MTI's Tom Morrison interviews Chad Sorenson, President of Adaptive HR Solutions and MTI 2020 President Jim Oakes from Super Systems to give you the keys you need to know on this newly formed legislation.

CLICK HERE for written summary by Chad Sorenson.



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WEBCAST - MARCH:  Update on Technical Specifications in the COVID-19 Environment 

As COVID-19 continues to develop, technical specifications continue to develop as well. MTI's Tom Morrison will interview three MTI members who are highly engaged in the technical specification process with Nadcap, AMEC, CQI-9, and ASTM to bring members up to speed on 2750, 2759, CQU-9, and hardness testing specs.  



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WEBCAST - MARCH:  Cyber-Security Issues When Using Remote Workers 
The social distancing and restrictions many companies are facing with the Coronavirus outbreak is causing more companies to approve more office personnel to work remotely. With an increase in remote workers comes an increase in cyber-security issues. Without the right protections in place, you risk opening your company up to a variety of threats. MTI's Tom Morrison interviews Nick Espinosa from Security Fanatics, to provide you the keys you need to think through remote workers and the impact on your cyber-security protections.



Documents Nick Espinosa Refers to:

Contingency-Disaster Recovery Plan Template:  CLICK HERE
Summary of Cybersecurity Issues With Remote Workers:  CLICK HERE

Suggested Products in Webcast For You to Consider:

- Firewall - Palo Alto Networks
- Antivirus - Deep Instinct
- Spam Filter - Proofpoint
- Identity Management - Okta

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OTHER KEY RESOURCES

- Department of Health & Human Services Business Pandemic Checklist
(CHECKLIST)

- Latest Updates from the Center of Disease Control  
(CLICK HERE)

- Information from OSHA for Workers & Employers
(CLICK HERE)

- OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplace for COVID-19
(CLICK HERE)

- Center for Disease Control Guidance for Employers and Businesses
(CLICK HERE)


- EPAs recommended list of registered disinfectants that are qualified for use against COVID-19
(CLICK HERE)

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BEST PRACTICES:  PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DAILY OPERATIONS IN YOUR PLANT

SUPPLY CHAIN (CUSTOMERS-EMPLOYEES)
Email or call all your customers/suppliers and let them know you are still open and operating if not restricted.  Numerous members have indicate both are calling and asking.  Don't make them ask.  Show them you are proactive and are there for them.


EMPLOYEE CONFIDENCE
Gather your company employees together and reassure them of where you are at.  Many are wondering if your company is "essential business."  Of course you are.  Planes don't fly, cars don't go and houses don't get built without heat treating.  Have open Q&A with teams to rally them through this time.  Many are feeling uncertain about where things are and you have a big influence on them.  Plus it says you care.  Loyalty is huge when they know you care.

PRACTICE GOOD HAND WASHING HABITS
"Emphasize hand-washing year-round and highlight it during flu season," suggested Howard Mavity, an attorney with Fisher Phillips in Atlanta. "Creatively keep the need fresh on employees' minds."

The CDC has said that keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps to avoid the spread of germs. The agency recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Employers can print and post CDC fact sheets that remind employees when to wash their hands, including:

  • After using the bathroom.
  • Before, during and after food preparation.
  • Before eating food.
  • After blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • After caring for someone who is sick or after changing a child's diaper.
  • After handling pets or other animals or their food and waste.
  • After touching garbage.

Employees should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, noted Sean Paisan, an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Orange County, Calif.

The CDC said alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain 60 percent to 95 percent alcohol, but washing with soap and water is preferable, particularly if hands are visibly dirty.

PRACTICE COUGHING AND SNEEZING ETIQUETTE
Considering how similar viruses spread, people infected with COVID-19 may be spreading the virus through respiratory secretions when they cough or sneeze, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). "There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 as the outbreak investigation continues," the agency stated on its webpage, noting that existing OSHA standards apply to protecting workers from COVID-19.

The CDC noted that previous outbreaks of coronavirus have spread through close contact with sick people. "A critical time to practice good hygiene etiquette is when you are sick, especially when coughing or sneezing."

To help prevent the spread of germs, the CDC recommends:

  • Avoiding coughing or sneezing into your hands.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
  • Putting used tissue in a wastebasket.


CLEAN YOUR WORK STATION
Employers should encourage employees and housekeeping staff to routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as keyboards, remote controls, desks, countertops and doorknobs.

Will regular cleaning products kill the bug? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said coronaviruses are among "the easiest to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product." But the EPA noted that emerging viral pathogens are less common and predictable than established pathogens, so few EPA-registered disinfectant products specifically target them. Credible products may not yet carry a label promising to kill COVID-19.

The CDC recommended using the cleaning agents that are usually used to clean work surfaces, doorknobs and countertops and to follow the directions on the label. The agency also suggested that employers provide disposable wipes so that workers can easily wipe down commonly used surfaces.

A best practice, however, is to avoid contact with people who are sick. "If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs," the CDC said.
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If you have any questions, contact the MTI office at tom@heattreat.net.