Skip to main content

The COVID-19 pandemic forced mandatory closures of businesses all over the world. Recently many have started to reopen, which gives people hope for a brighter future. However, employees who are returning to work are facing safety and health risks, and due to the pandemic’s current status, we still have to take precautionary steps..

Regardless of which line of work you are in, there are various precautionary details which employers need to consider regarding workplace safety. For example, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • How are you prioritizing the employees’ health and safety, along with maintaining optimal productivity in the workplace?
  • What measures should you take to stay compliant and assure that your business will continue to remain open?

To accomplish these goals, we’re here to guide you during this challenging time to ensure that health and safety are a top priority in the workplace. The following information on which possible measures to take to train your employees properly and run a successful business during the COVID-19 pandemic will outline the basics.

If you are interested in a professional online training company that provides training with all of the current guidelines for COVID-19, check out Arrow Up.

Related: Free Demo of one of our Online Safety Training Courses

Essential Points to Educate Your Employees On:

Sanitization Protocols 

Train employees to follow these protocols:

Wash hands frequently with water and soap for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 

Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of often touched surfaces and objects, such as:

  • In an office workplace: keyboards, telephones, doorknobs, workstations, and handrails.
  • Avoid using other employees’ desks, offices, phones, or other work tools and equipment, when possible, if you need to, then make sure to disinfect them before and after use.
  • Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet from others.
  • Clean all dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfection. To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

Critical times for employees to clean their hands include:

  • Before and after work, and during breaks
  • After blowing their nose, sneezing, or coughing
  • After using the restroom anywhere
  • Before preparing or eating food
  • After putting on, removing, or touching face coverings

Avoid touching mouth, eyes, and nose with hands that are unwashed.

Please cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, or use the inside of their shirt. 

Information about COVID-19 

Sadly, as of yet, there is no vaccine to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the best way to avoid contracting it is to prevent exposure to this virus. This virus is a respiratory illness that is thought to spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced from an infected person who talks, coughs, or sneezes. That is why it is highly advised to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from one another. Within 6 feet, droplets can land in the noses or mouths of people or can be inhaled into the lungs. Additionally, some people are infected with COVID-19 and show no symptoms. Maintaining social distancing is vital for everyone.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms most likely to appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Seek emergency medical care immediately if anyone is experiencing these symptoms:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Bluish lips or face
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake

Related: Empathy at Work During COVID 19: The Ultimate Guide

What to do if you begin to experience any of the symptoms mentioned

Inform your employees that if they have any of the symptoms mentioned, it is vital to stay home and seek proper medical care. Also, inform their supervisor if they are sick or have a family member at home who is sick with COVID-19.

Information for Employers

By consistently maintaining cooperation with the CDC, OSHA, and employment guidelines, you can successfully help your business remain open during this time and avoid any future shutdowns. This way, you can prioritize your employees’ health and well-being and consistently comply with the guidelines and laws, which keeps your team employed during the pandemic.

Need a reliable company to train and educate your employees, check out Arrow Up’s Safety Program

Related: COVID-19 Online Safety Courses

Safety precautions

The Overall Picture to Train and Keep Employees Safe During Covid-19

In summary, educate and train your employees on the importance of protecting themselves and those around them. Please provide them with information on the topics mentioned earlier and reiterate to them the importance of washing your hands often, always wear a mask when around others, avoid close contact, please cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, disinfect and clean every day, monitor your health, and keep yourself informed about any updates on COVID-19.

Maintain the curiosity of learning about this virus by keeping yourself updated and well informed. Remain consistent and strict about all of the CDC and OSHA guidelines, regulations, and laws. All employers must do so for the sake of their employees and customers as well. Here is an article about How to help your employees cope with COVID-19.

Our hope is that we provided you with enough information as a whole to reopen your business and to keep your employees safe at the same time.

Remember, if you are searching for an agency to provide the proper training and education for your employees, contact Arrow Up! We can implement the appropriate safety training services for you and your team.