Safety Measure for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 As Your Employees Return to Work

[This article was written by Emma Sturgis.]

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into the winter, many companies are wondering how they can keep their employees safe as they return to the workplace. As health professionals continue to learn about the virus, different health guidelines and regulations are put into place worldwide. It can be difficult to keep up with all of the changes, though there are a few key practices used globally to help ensure safety for all employees:

Employees With COVID-19 Symptoms Should Stay Home

One of the essential health guidelines employees should follow is to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms related to the coronavirus. As noted by the CDC, the virus’s common symptoms include having a cough, fever, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste or smell, or a sore throat. Employees who have these symptoms should avoid leaving home and contact their doctor for further medical advice.

Take Temperature Checks

A common practice with many businesses is to perform temperature checks for each individual that enters a workplace. Specific employees can be designated to use a non-contact temperature measurement device that allows for infrared scanning. If an employee has a temperature of more than 100 degrees, it is recommended that they return home and continue to monitor their temperature before returning to the workplace.

Sanitize the Workplace

Another important guideline that has been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 spread is to sanitize public spaces, including workplaces. Some companies opt to use coronavirus disinfection services, while others choose to put their own disinfection practices in place. High touch areas such as door handles or shared tables should be regularly disinfected by first using soap and water and then a disinfecting spray. Additionally, have hand sanitizer always accessible for all employees throughout the workplace.

Use Face Masks

Face mask usage is currently encouraged by most businesses in many states across The U.S. and other parts of the world. Cloth face masks work to limit coronavirus transmission risk by blocking potential virus particles from entering another individual’s system. Encourage all employees to wear a protective face mask during working hours, except for when they are eating and drinking.

Following the above four tips will ensure employees returning to work will enter a safe workplace. To help stop the coronavirus spread, always follow the most up-to-date guidelines and practice safe and healthy behavior.