Reopening workplaces will require new health and safety protocols that take COVID-19 into consideration. Below, we outline some key health and safety measures you may consider implementing to protect your employees when they transition back to work.

access control and quarantine.

  • Set clear policies for workplace access .
  • Draw up a map of your workplace and map out all key elements employees need to access.
  • Request employees quarantine when they show any sign of COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Track and document all building entries and exits.

social distancing.

  • Set clear policies for physical distancing in the workplace: maintaining a distance of 2 metres between employees, avoiding employee’ gatherings in common spaces (entrances, exits, stairwells, and inside trailer offices) and in-person meetings or in a closed room.
  • State the social distancing policy at the entrance zone and elevators

    Install floor indicators to help employees respect the 2 metre distance.
  • Install plexiglass panes when social distancing can not be 100% respected.

hygiene.

  • Establish daily disinfection procedures.
  • Place hand washing stations at the entrance of the building and ask employees to wash their hands upon entry.
  • Remind workers of proper hand washing techniques before and after shifts, during breaks, after going to the bathroom, etc. 
  • Increase hand washing stations with proper hand hygiene reminders.
  • Clean and disinfect all common areas at the end of each shift.
  • Provide proper equipment to promote hygiene and prohibit sharing of tools to minimise the spread of the virus.
  • Clean and disinfect all tools and machinery, and increase cleaning at the end of the day.
  • Disinfect keyboards, mouses and phones at the end of the day with anti-bacterial disinfectants, and leave desks empty.

facilities and equipment.

  • Stop elevator use whenever possible. If that’s not possible, restrict elevators to 2 people at a time.
  • Stop sharing items such as pens, phones, etc.
  • Disinfect printers and photocopiers after each use, or finding alternative solutions to their use.
  • Establish electronic signatures protocol where possible.
  • Provide critical supplies to your employees.
  • Establish protocols to move in a clockwise direction in corridors, hallways and narrow spaces.

training and communication.

  • Provide training on new work protocols and measures.
  • Raise workforce awareness on a regular basis on how employees can stop the spread of the COVID-19.
  • Promote mandatory health and hygiene protocols (e.g., hand washing, mask use, glove use) for employees, and provide instruction on proper usage and disposal of these materials.
  • Post informative signage as reminders and guidelines.
  • Provide workers with up-to-date information from credible sources.
  • Also share details on how your company is addressing COVID-19 (i.e. your action plan and available resources.)
  • Set up an HR support line for addressing questions and concerns from employees.
  • Build an internal responsibility system where everyone is to do their part.
  • Reinforce your company's commitment to health and safety.

establishing health and safety compliance protocols.

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important note.

Randstad prepared these resources to share best practices to get back to work safely. The information in this document is intended as a guideline only. Please do additional research and consult with experts before making decisions for your business.