As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have an unprecedented effect on daily life, many business owners are looking forward to a return to normalcy. We may be nearing a time when stay-at-home regulations are scaled back and all businesses are allowed to resume.
Before reopening, businesses should perform a risk assessment to determine what steps must be taken. If your risk assessment concludes that COVID-19 poses a threat to employees or customers, there are many workplace controls to consider from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For instance, you should consider the following:
- Implement administrative controls—Establishing alternating days or extra shifts could minimize employee exposure to COVID-19.
- Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)— It’s important to train employees how to properly put on, take off and care for PPE.
- Consider engineering controls—Engineering controls can include installing high-efficiency air filters or installing physical barriers.
- Create a dialogue with vendors and partners—Share response plans with local businesses and those in your supply chain.
- Encourage social distancing—Best practices include maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others, hosting meetings virtually and allowing essential personnel only on the job site.
- Manage the different risk levels of your employees—Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk.
- Separate sick employees—If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, inform fellow workers of their possible exposure.
- Support respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene—Businesses should encourage good hygiene in the workplace. You can learn more about face masks and respirators in the next article.
- Perform routine environmental cleaning and disinfection—Businesses should regularly sanitize their facility.
Contact MountainOne Insurance Agency, Inc. today to help navigate the reopening process to ensure a smooth and safe business reopening.
By Zywave, Inc.