With the current crisis shutting down companies worldwide, it’s more important than ever to maintain a safe and clean workplace. Even in industries that kept strict safety protocols, the virus has forced everyone to modify their policies and carefully monitor minute details. This article offers suggestions for improving your sanitation process, but only a local health official or CDC expert can confirm that your policies are sufficient.
Employee Training
Hand washing methods, distancing requirements, and protective measures should be introduced as part of employee training. Employees should agree to a new set of safety protocols after receiving detailed instructions and sign a document that confirms their commitment. A worker’s habits may seem challenging to change, but with adequate supervision and encouragement, you can keep your employees safe.
Supplies and Equipment
Keeping track of safety equipment and cleaning supplies has become an essential duty for ensuring a healthy environment. The pandemic has disrupted supply chains, and you have to plan farther ahead when you place orders with distributors. When you notice that masks or janitorial cleaning rags are getting low, add the items to your order guide and communicate with your supplies to see if their inventories are stable.
Testing Protocols
To keep your employees and customers safe, you should not allow sick employees to enter the office. Sick employees that have virus-like symptoms should be tested and quarantined at home. Although most smaller companies can’t provide virus testing, most communities have free testing sites with drive-thru tests. Contact local health officials immediately if an outbreak occurs in your building.
HVAC Inspections
Although some buildings aren’t designed with windows that can be opened to bring in fresh air, you can call a professional to inspect the heating and air conditioning system. Your building and workspaces should have consistent airflow, and you may have to change air filters more frequently or increase your maintenance frequency to improve the air quality. Most reputable HVAC companies offer yearly contracts that include monthly or bi-monthly inspections.
Remote Options
Since occupancy restrictions may change in your area if conditions worsen, you may have to reduce the number of employees in your office. Even with a small group of employees, you should develop a remote working option. For online work to be productive, all employees should use the same software and apps to communicate with managers and transfer data.
Although the current environment may seem unstable, you can protect your business, employees and clients by maintaining a sanitary workplace with updated safety guidelines.
