Is Your Workplace Coronavirus-proof?

By
Brand Spur
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0
By now, we believe that you’re aware of the coronavirus outbreak around the world. A new case was discovered in Nigeria on Monday after the first one in February so we hope you’ve been doing your best to keep yourself and family safe by following the preventive guidelines from us and other health bodies.

However, it’s important to note that personal preventive measures are one thing while workplace policies for disease prevention are another matter entirely. Regarding the latter, we recommend the following precautionary measures to minimize your chances of contracting or spreading the virus at work:

  • Security Post & Reception
Hand sanitizers should be provided at your gatehouse and at the entrance to your office. Please ensure you use them before entry. Your security guards and front desk staff should also be mandated to ensure the use of hand sanitizers by all guests and staff while non-contact thermometers should be provided for use. People with temperatures of 37.6°C and above should be denied entry and advised to go for tests.
  • Offices
Sanitizer dispensers should be provided on each floor and all staff should be encouraged to use them at intervals – particularly after moving in and out of closed offices or meeting rooms.

  • Restrooms
Wash your hands properly with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) after using the restroom. Hand sanitizers should be provided for staff use.
  • Kitchen
Caterers should use face masks and wear gloves when serving meals (gloves should be changed at intervals). Cutlery should always be soaked in a saltwater solution and handed to staff using a food thong.
  • House Keeping
Janitors should take out the trash every two hours, wash the bins and mop the floors with water and bleach. Door handles, flat surfaces and telephones in your workplace should be disinfected at least thrice a day.

  • Events & Meetings
It is best for your staff to limit both local and international travel unless absolutely necessary. Virtual meetings should be explored. Do not travel if you have a fever and cough.
  • Illness

Employees who are ill must notify their direct supervisor, HR and see a doctor immediately. They should stay away from the office until they are fit for work.

  • Infection at the Workplace

One of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocols for containing the virus is for any premises where someone tests positive with the virus to be locked down. Representatives of the NCDC will then come in to evacuate the patient while those in recent close contact with the patient will be quarantined at the location.

Finally, given the possibility of lockdowns, your HR unit should work with the IT team to proactively explore how staff can work from home till the situation improves and they’re cleared to return to the office.

Please educate your family and friends on these prevention tips as well.

Tips provided by Avon Healthcare Ltd