CDC Unveils New Safety Guidelines For Reopening Offices After COVID-19 Scare
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While some companies like Twitter and Google are prolonging their work-from-home policies, others are preparing to return to the workplace. However, life isn’t going to ease into the normal state of things you were used to any time soon, but some precautions can be put in place to speed up the recovery process.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently published new guidelines that companies should adopt to ensure a safe and conducive work environment for their employees. They’re not mandated by law, but are recommended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Firstly, companies are urged to assess their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system if their offices haven’t been open for some time. Employers are additionally advised to introduce as much airflow from outside as possible by opening windows, as well as increase filtration without lowering the airflow. Companies should also consider generating more “clean-to-less-clean air movement” by repositioning supply and exhaust air diffusers and/or dampers, and getting employees to work in “clean” ventilation zones excluding “higher-risk areas” like visitor reception.
Social-distancing measures are highly recommended, of course. Companies can adopt such methods in a variety of ways, including staggering work times and creating distancing zones in shared areas like elevators. Staff should work at desks spaced out six feet away from each other, but if that’s not possible, the CDC suggests installing plastic dividers. Employees should also put on cloth face masks.
During lunch or other breaks, employees are encouraged to head outdoors, while communal dining areas and coffee stations should be cordoned off. In place of communal utensils, wrapped and single-serve items should be used.
Companies might wish to establish some guidelines for visitors, such as having them call a representative from their cars before entering the office building.
The CDC further urges companies to conduct daily health checks, including symptoms or temperature screening, before allowing employees into the workplace, and immediately send symptomatic staffers home along with guidelines on care and treatment.
Employers can motivate workers to drive to work solo instead of taking public transportation or car-pooling by offering parking vouchers.
Finally, high-touch surfaces like mouses and keyboards should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Employers should also remind subordinates to wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, in addition to considering supplying sanitizing wipes and single-use paper towels.
You can read the new guidelines in full here.
[via Inc., cover image via Shutterstock]
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