Indiana Manufacturers Ask For Consistent State Health Rules, But No Regulations

The Indiana Manufacturers Association is asking the governor to allow all manufacturing facilities to open - from production lines to distribution centers. The association sent reopening recommendations asking for clear safety rules, but not additional regulations.

IMA says manufacturing is the most critical sector of the state’s economy and the availability of PPE, cleaning products, and testing is the biggest concern for safe reopening, especially as many companies donated their supplies to the state for health care agencies.

It recommends employers institute CDC guidelines like social distancing and promoting personal hygiene, however it says a “patchwork of advice” has made it hard to create a clear standard. 

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Brian Burton is the president and CEO of the Indiana Manufacturers Association. He says making responsible decisions in a pandemic is a balancing act between safe practices and getting back to normal. 

“Caution is important, but also we must take a realistic approach to restarting this economy and getting people back to work so that our economy is not shuttered for a great period of time,” he says.

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The association also asks that “IOSHA act in support of manufacturers” and that the state explore ways to limit liability for businesses in potential safety lawsuits.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has said he will give details on reopening guidance for some businesses on Friday.

Contact Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.