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COVID-Free Worksite: The Importance of PPE On & Off the Job

COVID-Free Worksite: The Importance of PPE On & Off the Job

The Importance of PPE On and Off the Job

In the age of coronavirus, safety is of huge importance in the workplace. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is becoming necessary in areas of the workplace where it wasn’t needed before. Additionally, educating your existing employees about the importance of PPE on and off the job has become a top priority for many businesses. To maintain a COVID-free worksite, here are the steps you need to take.

How to Keep COVID Out of Your Worksite

Workplaces across the country have begun to take precautionary measures as early as February to prevent the spread of COVID. One of the ways they are doing this is by hiring third-party cleaning companies to sanitize the worksite, especially high-touch zones. This includes doorknobs, faucets, handles, desks, and common workspaces.

Additionally, companies are implementing policy changes that will encourage social distancing in the workplace. No matter what business you are in, chances are you need to outline new COVID-era plans and regulations.

The Importance of PPE

The most common way companies are attempting to maintain a COVID-free worksite is by requiring employees to use PPE on the job site. Types of PPE gloves, masks that cover your mouth and nose, eye protection such as face shields, and clothing like surgical gowns and aprons.

Choosing the right type of PPE for your worksite is important. Not every job will require a face shield or PPE clothing. As an employer, it is important to identify what type of PPE should be used and make your expectations regarding PPE clear. Have written instructions for employees.

Educate Your Employees on the Importance of PPE

In addition to having written instruction on the proper use of PPE, you should also educate your team on the importance of protection on the job as well as outside of the workplace. PPE can help prevent the spread of germs. However, if they are only employing the benefits of PPE at work, they run the risk of bringing COVID into the workplace.

While you cannot require anything of your employees when they aren’t at work, you can further educate them on the importance of continuing PPE best practices away from the job. Explain how it can help decrease the risk of spreading COVID to the rest of the worksite.

You should also encourage any employees who are feeling sick to stay home. If they have COVID symptoms, it is recommended they do not return to work for the designated 14-day period and talk with their doctor. Additionally, if any family members are experiencing symptoms, the employee should notify a supervisor immediately so the necessary precautions can be taken.

Create a Safe Environment for Your Team

Getting PPE into your workplace and educating your team can seriously decrease your risk of a COVID outbreak. It can also help make your team feel more valued at work because you are paying more attention to their safety.

On top of getting PPE into your worksite and educating your employees, you can also employ the following operations to help increase safety:

  • Assess your team’s knowledge of PPE
  • Daily health screenings to check for fever, COVID symptoms
  • Hang signs and reminders to encourage hand washing

 

Almost every workplace in existence is altering how they are operating on a day-to-day basis. Contact a consulting agency about how you can best create a safe working environment for your team during the pandemic.

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