Checklist to limit spread of COVID-19 in the workplace
Limit spread of COVID-19 on returning to work
As business slowly, yet surely, start the transition from having their staff working from home to having them physically back in the workplace, there will be some adjustments that business owners and managers will need to implement. This is to ensure not only the safety and well being of your current staff, yet also to provide reassurance for any new hires who may be about to start.
And if your business is currently looking to hire, then a COVID safe workplace will most definitely feature high on the list of requirements on the candidates’ list of needs.
Here’s a simple checklist to ensure you are maximising your business as a COVID safe workplace.
CHECKLIST:
What can I do to keep my workers safe at the workplace and limit the spread of COVID-19?
1. Working from home
Assess who can do their jobs from home.Give those workers the option to do so.
Provide guidance to your workers on how to set up a safe home office environment.
Require workers to complete a self‑assessment checklist to ensure they
comply with good ergonomic practices -(please contact us for an example)
Appoint a contact person in your business that workers can talk to about
any concerns.
Set up ways to communicate with workers online (e.g. through Skype or Zoom) and communicate with them daily.
Provide information to workers about the supports available to them, for example through an employee assistance program.
2. Physical distancing
Put up posters around the workplace on keeping at least 1.5 metres distance between everyone at the workplace.
Erect signs at the entrances to lifts and meeting rooms to ensure the maximum safe capacity is not exceeded.
Move work stations, desks and tables in staff rooms further apart to comply with social distancing.
If possible, bring in shift arrangements so less staff are in the workplace at once.
Instruct workers to have meetings by phone or online instead of in person. If not possible, require they meet in a large space and keep meetings short.
Review regular deliveries and request contactless delivery. Check systems for e-invoicing are in place.
Provide social distancing markers on the floor in areas where customers line up or where workers perform tasks.
Nominate a person on the work floor to be responsible for keeping everyone the required 1.5mtr distance apart.
3. Handwashing and hygiene
Have hand sanitiser stations at entry and exit points and around the workplace.
Ensure bathrooms are well stocked with hand wash and paper towel.
Put up posters with instructions on how to hand wash/hand rub.
Instruct workers on other ways to limit the spread of germs, including by not touching their face, sneezing into elbow, and staying home if feeling sick
Have automatic alerts set up on computer systems to remind workers about washing hands and not touching eyes, nose and face
Instruct your workers to limit contact with others– no shaking hands or touching objects unless necessary.
If possible, accept only cashless transactions.
Increase access to closed bins in your workplace.
Put up signs to request customers only touch objects they are going to buy.
4. Cleaning
Ensure any areas frequented by workers or others (e.g. visitors to your premises) are cleaned at least daily with detergent or disinfectant.
Instruct workers to wear gloves when cleaning and wash their hands thoroughly or with alcohol-based hand sanitiser before and after wearing gloves.
Clean frequently touched areas and surfaces several times a day with a
detergent or disinfectant solution or wipe. This includes Eftpos equipment, elevator buttons, handrails, tables, counter tops, door knobs, sinks and keyboards.
Instruct workers to clean personal property that comes to work, such as,
sunglasses, mobile phones and ipads with disinfectant, such as disinfectant wipes.
5. Monitor symptoms
Put up signs about the symptoms of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Direct workers to stay home if they are sick, and if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 ask them to call the National Coronavirus hotline (1800 020 080).
Instruct workers to tell you if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19 or have been tested for COVID-19.
Remind staff of their leave entitlements if they are sick or required to
self‑quarantine.
Treat personal information about individual workers’ health carefully, in line with privacy laws.
Facilitate working from home, if possible, for staff who are required to
self-quarantine but are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
6. Plan ahead
Nominate a worker or a team of workers to champion safe practices in the workplace and teach their colleagues the proper procedures listed above.
Develop a plan to ensure business continuity if there is a suspected or
confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 in your workplace.
Consider what you will do if one of your workers is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, including how you will support
that worker and what you need to do to ensure the workplace remains safe for other workers.
Consider if you have appropriate cleaning products and personal protective equipment available to disinfect your workplace following an outbreak. If you do not, consider options for hiring a cleaning
company to do this work.
Put a protocol in place for reopening
your workplace after an outbreak or
quarantine period.
Stay informed
For more information please contact us via email @info@safetyservices.net.au or phone +61 2 96345912
