A brief guide to occupational hazard recognition

 

While the threat of COVID-19 remains real and as dangerous as ever, industries are beginning to reopen, requiring a percentage of employees to report to the workplace. Employers ought to know how virulent the virus has become, how it spreads, and how it can affect individuals differently. 

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Hazard recognition demands employers to know the classification of risk exposure to COVID-19. According to Martin Lloyd Sanders, employees who have lower risk exposure include those that work remotely; work at the office but do not have close contact with others in the office, in transit, or in their community; healthcare workers conducting telemedicine; long-distance drivers; and manufacturing and industrial workers who practice social distancing and basic safety and health protocols. Even with lower risk of exposure to the virus, diligence in practicing safety and prevention measures is encouraged. 

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Employees whose work requires them to come in contact with clients, customers, and co-workers have medium risk of catching the dreaded virus. Airline, school, government, environment, and retail workers belong to this category. Medical transport, healthcare delivery, and mortuary workers have high risk of exposure to the virus. When reporting to work, employees in this classification require proper personal protection equipment.

Martin Lloyd Sanders says that workers with very high exposure risk include frontline healthcare workers performing cough induction procedures, intubation, bronchoscopies, dental procedures, and invasive specimen collection on patients suspected or known to be infected with the virus. Employers must diligently remind and encourage sick employees to stay home. Daily virtual or in-person health checks are a must to ensure the safety of employees.

Martin Lloyd Sanders has been deeply involved in biosafety and biosecurity issues both in the US and abroad. His specialization is in biological safety, field medical operations, biosecurity, occupational safety and health, infectious disease epidemiology, environmental health services, and occupational health and wellness programs. To read more from Martin Lloyd Sanders, head over to this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.