The importance of maintaining healthy workplaces has been greatly underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. In the past, a healthy workplace mostly meant trying to prevent physical injury so that employers would not have to deal with higher mandatory workers’ compensation rates. These days, we have to keep in mind that SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens can easily cause disease outbreaks and epidemics.
Preventing the Spread of Germs in the Workplace
When we talk about germs, we must think beyond the novel coronavirus. Biological pathogens are not always viral; in fact, there is a greater biodiversity of bacteria. It is up to employers to lay the foundation of a workplace that is not conducive to the spread of germs. With this in mind, here are four tips that can help in this regard:
Follow Public Health Guidelines and Recommendations
In the United States, federal, state, and municipal health departments have always issued guidelines to maximize hygiene in workplaces. During the coronavirus pandemic, these guidelines have been adjusted and upgraded from recommendations to mandatory measures as economic activity resumes. Skirting these measures is in the interest of public health, and they are industry-specific. In California, for example, the only construction projects that can be performed are those where workers can be six feet apart from each other.
Social Distancing Reminders
This measure is effective but a little difficult to get used because we are not used to working in this fashion. Our extra-large social distancing badge buddy has proven popular in workplaces such as hospitals and clinics where employees are expected to wear visible identification badges at all times.
Disinfecting Surfaces and Minimizing Contact
Commercial kitchens and hospitals are pretty good at disinfecting surfaces, and this is a practice that is being adopted at many workplaces. Using disinfecting cleaners on surfaces has been recognized by the World Health Organization as being effective to curb the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. As for employees such as security guards and custodians who are expected to touch door handles, knobs, touchscreens, and other surfaces that are touched by many individuals, one recommendation is the EDC multiple use tool, which is made of an antimicrobial copper alloy and allows hands-free touch operation.
Provide Masks and Face Shields to Employees
We learn new information about SARS-CoV-2 on a daily basis. We know that N95 masks are most effective when it comes to protecting others from those who may be infected but are completely asymptomatic, but some masks are more effective than others; KN95 masks, for example, are better at containing large saliva droplets and some of the smaller ones that are more likely to be suspended in the air. Full face protective shields are also being recommended in some workplaces such as warehouses and factories.
Related item: Adjustable Length Face Mask Lanyard
Learn More About COVID-19 and Workplace Hygiene Items
At Specialist ID, we have expanded our catalog with special items and supplies designed to make workplaces safer during infectious disease outbreaks. Our clients include school districts, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. Please contact our office in Miami if you have questions about the products featured herein; you can also get in touch in case you want to learn more about the ordering and shipping process.