As the Covid-19 pandemic curve starts to flatten in some states, governors are developing a process for reopening their state, more recently, California reopening select stores for curbside. This might be exciting news if you’re getting ready to reopen your business. However, certain precautions such as setting up screening tent stations to test everyone before entering work premises in addition to adjustments must be made before going back to the office. Here are the best recommendations gathered from OSHA and the CDC to help you get your team back to work safely.
How To Prepare
One question that might be coming to you as you prepare to go back, how do you manage social distancing at work? Depending on your workplace, this could mean avoiding too many employees at work at a time and making adjustments to shifts and schedules. Organizing lunch and break times can be an example of this. It can also mean getting rid of lobby-like hangout or dining areas, if applicable to your business.
Providing the least amount of risk for social gatherings is the key to maintain social distancing. When working with shifts, one should provide an empty-store window period where employees won’t have to come in contact during the transition. It will also be useful to display social distancing reminders, like signs or floor grips that will help visitors remain six feet apart.
Returning To Work
According to OSHA, people are more likely contagious if they’re experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Screening tests should be conducted on every employee or guest to ensure no signs of coronavirus. This can be done under screening tents before the entrance of your facility. It is recommended to use contactless thermometers while utilizing other precautions such as gloves.
Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, such as gloves and face masks or shields also become a necessity at work. Voila Promotions offers a large selection of branded safety products for your team. Provide your employees with the proper equipment and require it when they enter the workplace. This will keep your team and your guests the safest.
Remaining Clean & Sanitary
One recommendation is pumping up the cleaning protocols previously in place. What might have become a weekly process should be moved up to twice a day, if not every few hours depending on the work environment. Consider risk areas, meaning workplace communal locations such as kitchen sinks, bathrooms, elevators, and doors. These are locations that need extra attention and extra cleaning.
Be sure to remind employees of personal cleaning and hygiene practices. OSHA recommends promoting frequent and thorough handwashing. If possible, signs of best hygiene practices should be visible at your entrance, in sink locations, and in the screening tent to remind everyone of the importance. Also, provide visitors with a place to wash their hands with soap and water, or if not, with hand sanitizer stations.
The tips in this blog are aided by information provided by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and CDC, the Center for Disease Control prevention. Please visit the linked organization’s web pages for further instruction.
Download this checklist and keep it handy for an easier and safer return to work!
