Keeping workplace safe during pandemics can be very challenging. Businesses operating during these unprecedented times should take measures to ensure utmost safety for all involved. A thorough infection control program in place that includes policies and protocols for prevention and containment communicated in a clear and timely manner should help mitigate risks for employers while reducing many employee concerns.
Consider the following steps to help maintain a safe workplace:
- Arrange an orientation/education for your employees to raise awareness about a pandemic emergency. Post tips in your workplace on how to stop the spread of virus. Encourage good hygiene habits such as washing hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Create a policy not to leave personal items like phones on shared surfaces.
- Consider installing automatic soap dispensers to prevent transferring germs to the pump. Station adequate supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout your facility. Have a designated employee sanitize all common areas and workstations regularly.
- Provide remote work option where possible, for those whose performance will not be affected by not being physically present in the office. Encourage employees to stay home and not work when they are sick and advise them of the COVID-19 symptoms for which to monitor such as fever and cough. Identify whom they should contact if they need to be absent for a COVID-19 related reason.
- Make sure your employees are informed of the Government of Canada advisory to avoid any non-essential travel outside of Canada and requirement to self-isolate after returning from abroad. Cancel work-related travel, particularly to areas in which infection rates are high or where a border may be closed.
- Implement social distancing measures, including modifying the frequency and type of face-to-face employee encounters, establishing flexible work hours or work sites.
Keep your employees up to date on the mitigation measures you are employing to both reassure them and to gain their buy-in for managing disruptions to the business. It is crucial to establish a clear chain of command and rapid response process to ensure swift, decisive action. Communicate to your employees that your response team is in place and evaluating the situation on a daily basis.
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Keeping workplace safe during pandemics takes well-thought policies and measures and due diligence. Check out Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Magazine and a great read here for more insight.
