Create a Covid-Safe Workplace

A SENSE OF NORMALITY

We are all desperate to see some normality and the end of COVID-19 and the “new normal”. But one of the hardest challenges for businesses is finding ways to successfully navigate the pandemic while preparing for what comes afterward. Although COVID-19 persists and mutates, vaccines and other precautions are making it easier for more people to return to their workplaces.

STEPS TO MINIMIZE THE SPREAD

Step 1

The first step to getting your employees back to the workplace is ensuring that they comply with government rules.

Governments across the globe have different rules and measures to ensure the protection of their people and economy. This can include vaccine programs, wearing face masks, hand-sanitizing stations and regular health checks.

Employees should also know COVID-19’s general symptoms. While not every person infected exhibits these symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a continuous cough, and variants have different sets, a temperature of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or above is a good sign that the individual needs a COVID-19 test.

Step 2

The second step is to ensure that shared spaces are not areas of transmission. Ideally, employees will have individual workstations, so there is less chance of equipment, including phones and computers, being used by more than one person.

When this is not possible, equipment should be disinfected before and after each use. Businesses and employees are also advised to introduce routine disinfection, involving sterilizing solution/soap and water, even if a workstation is only used by one person.

Depending on the type of work, face masks/coverings may be required by law. Even if face masks/coverings are not mandatory, wearing them is encouraged. Employees should expect appropriate PPE and related training to be provided.

Businesses are also implementing social distancing. Generally, two meters (about six feet) between people is recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19. A key way to encourage this is through flexible working hours, staggered or rotating shifts.

Physical workspaces can also be adapted to create more space between employees or, if the building’s physical limitations make it hard to expand the distance between workers, plastic dividers can be used to create a barrier.

SAFETY FIRST

No business wants to be responsible for an outbreak. While businesses need to lead the creation of safe work environments, employees must take the right steps to ensure they, their colleagues and families remain healthy.

Employees should:

• Wear a face mask/covering, whether mandated or not
• Carry personal hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes
• Wash their hands regularly using soap and water
• Avoid touching their face – if your hands are infected, this will help to avoid transmission into the body

HOW WE CAN HELP

The pandemic has impacted every company differently, but there are commonalities in how they can recover, renew and reinforce their business.

We offer a comprehensive range of services to help businesses navigate the difficulties surrounding COVID-19.

Starting with creating a safe work environment, we independently evaluate cleaning and disinfection procedures. Organizations that pass earn our Disinfection Monitored Cleaning Checked mark, which demonstrates to stakeholders that your business is focused on protecting them.

Our inspectors can evaluate the work environment to ensure the right business management practices are in place to comply with safe work environment regulations.

Once employees are safely back at work, we can also help businesses to develop effective continuity strategies to minimize downtimes while optimizing recovery.

Protect your people, preserve your business. Learn more here.