ODOE Helps Workers in Fuel Industry Stay Safe During COVID-19

To support the nation’s safe reopening, the federal government provided personal protective equipment to each state, in part to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure workers, like those in the fuel industry. Oregon received 72,000 total reusable cloth masks. As a member of the Oregon Infrastructure Branch of the state’s COVID-19 response, ODOE Emergency Preparedness Manager Deanna Henry secured 14,000 of the masks for Oregon’s fuel and propane providers. The masks are helping keep workers safe as they ensure a reliable source of fuel and propane for Oregonians during the pandemic.

Temperature checks are another measure that helps to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by identifying potentially ill individuals. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided Oregon and other states non-contact infrared thermometers. Out of the 2,355 NCITs Oregon received, Deanna secured and distributed 1,075 thermometers for the fuel and propane sectors in June. Deanna worked with the Western States Petroleum Association, Oregon Fuels Association, and the Pacific Propane Gas Association to assess NCIT needs at fuel distribution terminals, pipeline operations, gas stations, and propane distributors.

ODOE will continue to provide guidance and information to the fuel and propane industry as appropriate to allow critical workforce employees to safely continue their important work for Oregon during these unprecedented times.

Stay safe, Oregon!