Practical steps to ensure a safe and virus-free workplace

 

Health and safety in the workplace continue to be the priority even with the mass rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. With new strains of the virus emerging, it's important to continue practicing the health protocols to minimize infections. Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, shares these practical steps to keep one's workplace virus-free.

Image source: Unsplash.com

Regular testing

This is especially important for those working outside of the office, such as construction sites, warehouses, and other venues. Getting tested for the virus will not only ensure the safety of one person but also the people they work and live with. While contact tracing efforts are getting better, it might still be difficult to identify where a person might have contracted the virus. Testing is also important for individuals who are living in places where there are high transmission rates.

Modify work hours

Public health experts like Martin Lloyd Sanders say that one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus is to lessen close contact with other people. In the workplace, this can be done by making sure that only a few people are in one area. Aside from installing barriers, implementing the wearing of masks, and practicing physical distancing, it might also help to allow employees to work different hours than usual. Companies can do this by shortening on-site hours or by allowing employees to take on different shifts to prevent everyone from coming to the office at the same time.

Image source: Healthline.com

Change the work area

The pandemic has exposed what needs to be changed in the structure of many offices. Closed spaces need to have better ventilation by installing air filters and purifiers. The windows must also be regularly opened to allow the air to circulate. As much as possible, sharing items and working too closely must also be prevented. Even in the seating arrangement, physical distancing must be practiced. There must be designated hand sanitation areas, especially in common spaces, to encourage hand hygiene.

Capt. Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., has over a decade of service in the occupational health and safety sector. He is also a multi-awarded scientist and US Army veteran. For more on health and safety, visit this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin 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, the Department of Homeland Security, or the United States Government.