Viruses can spread fast within the workplace environment if proper measures are not put in place to prevent them. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Employers have a responsibility to keep employees safe in the workplace.
In this article, we will look at measures that can be taken to prevent viruses in the workplace.
1. Hand Sanitizing Stations
Hand sanitizing stations can be set up in different areas of the workplace to ensure that employees maintain proper hand hygiene. The stations should have hand sanitizers with alcohol concentrations of at least 60%.
Employees should be encouraged to use the stations regularly, especially after touching frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons.
2. Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting
The workplace should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, preferably daily, using appropriate cleaning agents. Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons should be disinfected more often.
In addition, it is important to encourage employees to clean their workstations regularly, especially if they share equipment such as keyboards and mouse with others.
3. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay at Home
Employees who are sick should be encouraged to stay at home. In addition, employers should have policies in place that allow employees to work from home if necessary.
Having sick employees come to work can increase the risk of spreading the virus to other employees.
4. Limit Social Contact
Social contact should be limited in the workplace. Meetings can be held virtually, and employees should be encouraged to avoid physical contact such as handshakes.
Scheduling work shifts and breaks to limit the number of employees in a particular area at a particular time can also help to limit social contact.
5. Provide Protective Equipment
Employers should provide protective equipment such as masks and gloves to employees where necessary.
For example, employees who work in healthcare or in close proximity to others may need to wear masks and gloves to protect themselves and others from the virus.
6. Temperature Checks
Employers can conduct regular temperature checks on employees before they enter the workplace. This can help to identify employees who may have a fever, which is a common symptom of viral infections.
7. Increase Ventilation
Increasing ventilation in the workplace can help to reduce the concentration of viruses in the air. This can be achieved by opening windows and doors or increasing the use of air conditioning systems.
8. Stay Informed
Employers should stay informed about the latest information on the virus and the measures that can be taken to prevent its spread.
They should also communicate regularly with employees to ensure that they are informed and aware of the steps taken by the employer to prevent the spread of the virus.
9. Develop Contingency Plans
Employers should have contingency plans in place to deal with the possibility of an outbreak in the workplace.
This may include identifying essential personnel who can work remotely or developing plans to reduce the number of employees in the workplace should the need arise.
10. Provide Employee Education
Employees should be educated on the importance of preventing the spread of viruses in the workplace. This may include providing training on proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and the proper use of protective equipment.
Employees should also be encouraged to report any symptoms of illness promptly.
Conclusion
Preventing the spread of viruses in the workplace requires a concerted effort from both employers and employees. By implementing the measures outlined in this article, employers can help to reduce the risk of viral infections in the workplace.
It is important to remember that these measures should be taken every day, not just during a pandemic or outbreak.