Safety is the new rule and trend in every workplace. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into 2021, more companies are incorporating changes, both temporary and permanent, in the ways that they handle their employees. From separating workstations to practicing social distancing, every company has four methods to keep their workers safe.
Encourage Social Distancing During Breaks, Lunches and Meetings
You cannot avoid all social interactions between employees, coworkers and visitors. At some point, they will assemble into groups and have to have some kind of face-to-face interaction. Make it mandatory that they practice social distancing in all circumstances by remaining at least six feet apart from each other. To maintain this distancing, arrange the chairs, tables and desks appropriately. This arrangement helps forgetful workers remember to follow the new rules and forces them to abide by nationwide health guidelines.
Designate Workstations
Every worker must be assigned a workstation and keep to themselves for most of the day. Moving around is not recommended as it more easily spreads germs. Assign tasks that do not require a great deal of walking around or face-to-face interacting. To protect your workers further, separate each workstation at least six feet apart.
Install Plastic Shield Barriers
If your workers must interact face to face with customers, protect them with plastic shield barriers. At desks and tables, install sneeze shields that block airborne particles from passing into someone’s personal barrier. The plastic cover is see through for close, eye-to-eye contact, and it is easy to clean at any time during the day. Best of all, it provides a complete layer of protection that face masks do not provide.
Arrange Separate Shifts
Instead of terminating your employees or cutting their hours, rearrange their work shifts so that they work separately from each other. Have only one or two employees working on the same shift to minimize physical contact. Still keep a few other workers on standby, if they are needed. Despite its inconvenience to your workers, it’s a very effective method of preventing the spread of COVID-19 within the staff.
Training your employees to be safe is not reserved for new hire orientations. Safety is a daily, year-round issue that you and every member of your team should address directly. When one employee fails to follow the safety precautions, everyone suffers from one person’s actions. During this COVID-19 pandemic, take the additional steps needed to protect your workplace and staff.
