The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the way people live. It’s also affected workplaces in a multitude of ways. While non-essential businesses have been forced to cease operations in many states, businesses that are permitted to remain open must take the necessary steps to protect their customers as well as their staff.
Although the details vary greatly from business to business, there are many general rules and regulations you can put in place right now. The following steps can reduce the risk of illness in your workplace and ensure you, your staff, and your customers remain protected.
While there is debate to the efficacy of facial masks, they do serve an important purpose. Masks stop workers from touching their faces throughout the day and they also reduce the spread of infected droplets in the event a worker is infected with COVID-19 and asymptomatic. Despite these benefits, masks are not intended as a replacement for social distancing measures, which should be put in place in all areas where employees and/or customers usually congregate.
Handwashing best practices entail scrubbing with soap and flowing water for at least 20 seconds. In absence of soap, workers are encouraged to use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol to ensure viruses and contaminants are killed. Hands should be washed when the worker arrives and before the worker leaves, before meals, after using the restroom facilities, and before and after touching, putting on, or removing facial masks.
Understandably, people are concerned about their livelihoods considering the instability caused by coronavirus. However, ensuring your staff has a safe, secure place of work is crucial to preventing its spread. Make sure your staff understands they must stay home if they feel ill. They should be given this option even if they’re not able to have a test performed and are without a specific diagnosis. Many people experience mild symptoms with coronavirus, which can be mistaken for a common cold or other illness.
Along with personal sanitation, your workplace should be cleaned and sanitized daily. Communal surfaces, including breakroom tables, computer equipment, phones, and waiting areas, should be cleaned with soap if visibly dirty and sanitized with an appropriate disinfectant. Before using a disinfectant, be sure to read the label to determine whether it’s capable of killing coronavirus. Label instructions also provide the best method for sanitizing contaminated areas.
While you and your staff must take the proper steps during this challenging time, help is also available to Albuquerque employers in need of assistance with cleaning and sanitation. Maintenance Service Systems, Inc. has the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure a clean, secure workplace. We safely and effectively use the proper sanitizing chemicals while also having a high attention to detail to make certain your entire workplace is covered, from top to bottom.
Feel free to contact us today for more information on having your workplace cleaned and sanitized by our janitorial professionals. You can also call (505) 219-2685 to discuss your needs with a friendly and knowledgeable representative.
