Strategies for the Workplace to Ensure Safety: COVID-19

In dealing with modern times, we have had to make drastic changes to ensure our safety for ourselves and our loved ones. As we embark on our “new normal” and slowly return to work, it will be crucial that the workplace culture is in alignment with COVID-19 guidelines. Below are suggestions that will make help ensure the safety of your employees.

Social Distancing  

• Businesses and other organizations shall limit occupancy within their workplace to a limited amount of the maximum occupancy level specified in any certificate of occupancy or similar permit or as provided for under the state building code.
• Ensure separation of 6 feet or more between individuals unless this creates a safety hazard due to the nature of the work or the configuration of the workspace
• Designate assigned working areas (e.g., floor, building) to individuals where possible to limit movement throughout the facility and limit contact between workers 
• Stagger work schedules and improve ventilation for enclosed spaces where possible (e.g., open doors and windows) 
• Limit meeting sizes, ensure 6 feet of social distancing, encourage remote participation

Staffing and Operations 

• Establish and communicate a worksite specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan for all office locations, including
• Provide training to workers on up-to-date safety information and precautions including hygiene and other measures aimed at reducing disease transmission
• Workers must continue to telework if feasible; external meetings should be remote to reduce density in the office
• Employers should establish adjusted workplace hours and shifts for workers (if working in person, leverage working teams with different schedules or staggered arrival / departure) to minimize contact across workers and reduce congestion at entry points 
• Limit visitors and service providers on-site; shipping and deliveries should be completed in designated areas 
• Limit business-sponsored travel and comply with state and federal travel restrictions/guidelines
• Workers must stay home if feeling ill 
• Workers who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control (e.g., due to age or underlying conditions) are encouraged to stay home or arrange an alternate work assignment 
• Workers are strongly encouraged to self-identify symptoms or any close contact to a known or suspected COVID-19 case to the employer 
• Encourage workers who test positive for COVID-19, to disclose to the employer of the office for purposes of cleaning / disinfecting and contact tracing. If the employer is notified of a positive case at the workplace, the employer should notify the local Board of Health (LBOH) where the workplace is located and work with them to trace likely contacts in the workplace and advise workers to isolate and self-quarantine. Testing of other workers may be recommended consistent with guidance and / or at the request of the LBOH 
• Post notice to workers and customers of important health information and relevant safety measures as outlined in government guidelines 
• Log everyone who comes in contact with site to enable contact tracing, including temporary visitors (e.g., those doing material drop-offs)

Hygiene Protocols 

• Ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, wherever possible and encourage frequent handwashing; alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol may be used as an alternative
• Supply workers at workplace location with adequate cleaning products (e.g., sanitizer, disinfecting wipes)
• Require regular and not less than daily cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch areas such as workstations, door handles, and restrooms
• Avoid sharing use of office materials/equipment or disinfect equipment between use (e.g., telephones, fax machines)
• Post visible signage throughout the site to remind workers of the hygiene and safety protocols

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Conduct frequent cleaning and disinfection of site (at least daily and more frequently if feasible)
• Keep cleaning logs that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning 
• Conduct frequent disinfecting of heavy transit areas and high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, elevator buttons, staircases, vending machine, bathrooms) 
• Clean shared spaces (e.g., conference rooms) between use and supply cleaning products (e.g., sanitizer, disinfecting wipes) 
• In the event of a positive case, shut down the site for deep cleaning and disinfecting of the workplace in accordance with current CDC guidance

If we all continue to do our part and follow the safety guidelines, we can keep everyone safe.