Protecting your workplace from COVID 19: Safety Protocols

As the Covid19 pandemic is unfolding, some workplaces are open and care must be taken. But there is still a long road ahead to eradicate this virus.

In accordance with the procedures being encouraged by health authorities, we’ve compiled a list of hygiene and safety protocols to put in place in workplaces, so as to work safely and stop the spread of the virus.

The main points to take into account are:

• Physical distancing: aka Social Distancing. COVID-19 is most likely to spread through close contact with a person who has a confirmed infection.
  Distancing means keeping people apart. Currently, this means keeping a distance of at least 1.5 meters between people.

  • Practical physical distancing examples:

    • Queuing strategies: marking out the spacing on the floor with tape

    • Limiting the number of people who can enter a store /workplace

    • Screen people entering the workplace with a non-contact thermometer

    • Implement contactless deliveries

    • Have a responsible person on the work floor to ensure everyone is keeping the required distance from each other

    • Move work stations, desks, and tables in staff-rooms further apart

    • Bring in shift arrangements so less staff are in the workplace at once

• Hand-washing and hygiene: Good hand hygiene is necessary to stop the virus.
  This means:

  • Frequent hand-washing with soap or hand sanitizer, including before and after you eat and after going to the bathroom

  • Must not touch eyes, nose or any part of the face

  • “Etiquette” while coughing or sneezing, in a clean tissue or elbow

  • Put used tissues straight into the bin

• Signage and posters: signs and posters around the workplace remind workers and others of the risks of COVID-19 and the measures that are necessary to stop its spread.

  This includes information on what is COVID-19 and how we can stop it spreading, how to wash your hands, and the physical distancing requirements.

• Cleaning: Make sure the workplace is regularly cleaned and disinfected. Ensure any areas frequented by workers or others (e.g. visitors to your premises) are cleaned at least daily. After the business closes at night a thorough clean with detergent or disinfectant should occur to ready the business for the following day. Frequently touched areas and surfaces should be cleaned several times a day.

  And remember: between all of us we can stop the spread of the virus.

  Visit our sponsor www.firstaidkitsaustralia.com.au/screen-sanitise for screening and sanitising essentials.

  For more safety regulations regarding your workplace don’t forget to visit http://www.safeworkmatters.com.au/