The COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide changes in the way employers interact with their workforce. Many workers have been transitioned to unemployment, furlough, or work from home. For those who remain in the workplace, anxiety, stress, risk of infection, and exhaustion can add up and take their toll. As our workforce dynamics change, we should be adapting policies with these conditions in mind. When it’s time for workers to return to the workplace, new safety procedures have to include these new health considerations.
Social distancing is one step we should all be taking to reduce the risk of transmitting illness during the current global outbreak of COVID-19. Depending on the industry, however, this is possible to varying degrees. Construction crews, maintenance teams, and water treatment professionals, for example, may need their own set of plans to protect themselves and mitigate a combination of risk factors. Make sure you have a plan in place that addresses your team’s unique needs and circumstances. CDC and OSHA guidelines are a good starting point for drafting your safety plan. Once you’ve drafted a plan and decided on new procedures, make sure you communicate them clearly. You can combine an email announcement with signage and verbal reminders. Not only will implementing updated safety guidelines help keep workers healthy and productive, but it shows that management cares for their employees and brings a sense of comfort and even camaraderie in these disconcerting times.
When individuals must work closely together, limiting the amount of time in close proximity and wearing N-95 masks are two important precautions. If N-95 masks are unavailable in your area, coverings that fit snugly around the nose and mouth should be worn whenever workers are near each other. Washing hands frequently, not just after using the restroom, is another good way to keep workers safe, especially if workers are handling food products. Soap and hot water should be used for at least 20 seconds at a time. Have a first aid kit on hand to cover any cuts and minor injuries. The skin is one of the human body’s best defenses against bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other infections. If the workplace doesn’t have access to running water, say at a construction site, or a remote field site, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. When selecting a sanitizer, look for those that have at least 60% alcohol content. Make sure to rub the sanitizer over hands and wrists completely. Let the sanitizer evaporate, don’t dry hands on towels or napkins.
If employees don’t need to work directly with each other, but still need to be on location, consider things like staggering shifts, moving workstations further apart, and installing plexiglass shields where employees interact with the public. When workers arrive to work, have someone wearing PPE take temperatures and hand out health questionnaires before they get to their duties. Urge anyone presenting symptoms like elevated body temperature, trouble breathing, sore throat, and muscle aches to seek medical advice. Have them get tested for the virus either through a nose swab or a rapid antibody test, which can determine if they’ve been exposed. Encourage them to stay quarantined until test results are known.
As summer brings increased temperatures, heat exhaustion becomes another concern. Heat may exacerbate the symptoms of coronavirus infection, even in those with mild cases, causing added health risks. It’s vital to stay hydrated throughout the summer, especially if your job duties require you to work outdoors. One symptom of the COVID-19 infection is increased sweating, which saps the moisture from your body. This means you’re already at risk of dehydration.
Summer heat and manual labor cause your body to sweat too, losing even more moisture. Severe dehydration can lead to heatstroke, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, and intense headaches. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and that everyone has easy access to a fresh, clean source of water. Wearing N-95 masks might take some getting used to, but they DO NOT add to the risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration. They should be worn any time employees are working in proximity to one another or members of the public.
Slips and falls haven’t gone away with the rise of the virus. Don’t forget to keep up with your company’s workplace safety measures, make sure they’re posted where all employees have access, and that there’s a system in place to get help if there’s an emergency. Identify who in the workplace has CPR and first aid training and verify their certifications are current. If they’re willing to participate, make sure members of their team know who they can go to for help. Have everyone report accidents and injuries as soon as possible.
While Midtown’s focus remains on helping workers recover from injury on the job, we have added to our services to meet the current challenges. If you or your employees feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, we now provide the rapid antibody detection test. Remember that even asymptomatic carriers of the disease can pass it on to others who may be differently affected. Read more about rapid antibody testing for COVID-19 here.
To set an appointment with a member of Midtown’s medical staff, call our office or, to add Midtown to your list of preferred providers for occupational therapy and work injury recovery, contact us at 303-468-9242.
Follow this link for more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA corona virus guidelines and suggestions.
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