Corona virus and Health and Safety at workplace

[Isabelle]

What can the workplace do to provide a safe work
environment to its workers during the pandemic?

• This discussion was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by  Isabelle.

[Shraddha]

Hi Isabelle,

It is advised that workplaces should have a policy in place that outlines their requirements when people may be sick or absent to care for others. This policy should indicate how to notify the workplace, and if there is a requirement for a doctor’s note and when. Organizations may wish to suspend the need for a doctor’s or medical note for the absence to reduce the burden on the health care system.

Workplaces can also help by having an infection control plan which may include details such as:

• Providing clean handwashing facilities.
• Offering alcohol-based hand sanitizers
  when regular facilities are not available.
• Cleaning objects that are touched
  frequently, such as doorknobs, handles, railings, kettles, etc. more
  often with household disinfectants or bleach solution.
• Providing boxes of tissues and encourage
  their use.
• Reminding staff to not share cups,
  glasses, dishes, and cutlery. Be sure dishes are washed in soap and water after use.
• Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (such as tea rooms and kitchens).
• Making sure ventilation systems are working properly.
• Cleaning a person’s workstation or other
  areas where they have been if a person has been suspected or identified
  with an infection
• Using social distancing techniques, such
  as using the telephone, video conferencing, or the internet to conduct as
  much business as possible (including within the same building), allow
  employees to work from home, or to work flexible hours to avoid peak
  public transportation times or crowding the workplace.

The above is just a recommendation however you may implement safety practices as deemed fit for your organization.