How to Ensure Workplace Safety During the Pandemic
We’re now a few weeks into
2021 and the COVID-19 pandemic has thoroughly transformed the way businesses
operate. Whilst general workplace safety is being given more attention than
ever before, the focus has diversified to also include social distancing, face
coverings, hand sanitiser and reusable protection. Daily cleaning of a
workstation with antibacterial wipes was once the routine of particularly
health-conscious employees, whereas now it’s a central part of many health and
safety policies. The world of work is changing rapidly, so SafetyCare is here to
ensure that you stay ahead of the curve.
Everyone is crossing their
fingers that the vaccine will be distributed quickly and the pandemic comes to
an end sooner rather than later. In the meantime, we all have to work to the
new normal and upgrade workplace procedures to safeguard against future
pandemics.
As business owners focus
on everything from best practices to biosecurity systems, the unifying factor
is that every workplace needs to be held accountable for health and safety and
reshape its H&S strategy to become Covid-proof.
Safety policies and risk
assessments
Any business with more
than five employees is legally obliged to have a health and safety policy,
although we recommend putting one in place even if you have fewer staff. Yearly
reviews are required by law and updating whenever suitable is a savvy move, as
it means you’re prepared for all eventualities.
Though the coronavirus
pandemic will end at some point, incorporating antibacterial measures and
similar behaviour into your workplace culture is an excellent way to ensure
that employees take health and safety seriously. The more vigilant they are,
the lower the risk to your business continuity and employee wellbeing if
another crisis arises.
Social distancing in the
workplace
Humans get used to things
very quickly. Everyone adapted to the coronavirus measures instantly and we’ll
all return to pre-pandemic easily when the threat has gone. This means that
right now is the perfect time to consider the layout of your offices and other
working environments, tweaking them where appropriate to create more space between
workers.
At the moment, the
integrating of social distancing signs, protective screens between desks and
floor markings in warehouses is helping staff to maintain their distance. Looking
ahead to when social distancing is no longer a requirement, having extra room
between workstations will play a role in stopping the spread of other germs and
viruses. It could be a case of entirely redesigning your office or simply
removing superfluous furniture so that there’s more space available – any
improvements you make now will serve you for years to come, potentially
reducing sickness and absenteeism.
Involve all of your staff
Your company will most
likely have a health and safety manager, or at least someone who is responsible
for reviewing your policies. Whilst this guarantees that standards are
maintained on paper, the most effective way to prevent health and safety issues
is by thoroughly training all staff.
There are multiple methods
that can be adopted here. First of all, sessions in general health and safety
and first aid are a sound investment, with refresher courses delivered each
year to keep staff in the know. In addition, the allocating of a Health and
Safety Champion in each department helps to keep the company safer as a whole.
Visual management tools such as H&S boards in highly visible places are
also useful, as they provide key information in seconds.
Keep an inventory of protective equipment
By maintaining a sufficient
supply of face coverings, disposable gloves, antibacterial wipes and other precautionary
items, your company will equip itself against future viruses and health crises.
As for hand sanitiser, this is a habit that we think should and most probably
will continue long term, as it eradicates bacteria and viruses at their source.
Whilst maintaining stock of
hand sanitiser and other essential supplies comes with a small cost, it pays
for itself in multiple ways. Your workplace will be safer and healthier than
before, sickness will be less likely to spread through your premises, and your company
will demonstrate how much it values employee wellbeing by taking a responsible
and proactive approach.
We keep businesses safe
For more information
and to place an order, call us on 01 8499 100 or email sales@safetycare.ie and we’ll help you to keep your staff
and customers protected around the clock.
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