HomeHealth articlescoronavirusCOVID-19 Safety Protocol for the Workplace

COVID-19 Safety Protocol for the Workplace

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COVID-19 Safety Protocol for the Workplace

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At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, going to work and reopening businesses were the new challenges faced. Read the article to know about COVID protocols.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Radha Peruvemba Hariharan

Published At May 22, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 10, 2023

Introduction:

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused the respiratory disease COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) globally. It affected the normal life of common people as the pandemic resulted in an increased death rate worldwide. The normal routine life was affected, including food, travel, trade, finnacial market and tourism.

Thinking of the routes of transmission, sources of exposure, and exposure risks of COVID-19, a proper safety plan is needed to reduce the impact on the public, business, customers, employers, and workers. Employers should prepare their workers regarding the safety protocols in the workplace to avoid further worsening outbreak conditions. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) developed COVID-19 safety guidelines in the workplace, which are used for planning purposes similar to the influenza pandemic guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus. To identify appropriate control measures and the risks in the workplace, the workers should follow the OSHA planning guidance. Whenever there is new information regarding virus transmission and risks, additional updates will be provided along with the existing guidelines. Thus the safety protocols of OSHA help to reopen the offices and new businesses.

How Is the Worker's Exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Classified Based on Their Occupation?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has divided job tasks into four risk exposure levels. They are-

1) Very High Exposure Risk Jobs:

a. Very high exposure risk jobs are healthcare workers or those working with COVID-19 patients.

b. Laboratory healthcare personnel collect samples of suspected or known COVID-19 patients for culturing procedures.

c. Morgue workers perform autopsies on known and suspected people to have COVID-19 at the time of their death. Healthcare workers with very high exposure risk include the following -

  • Doctors.

  • Nurses.

  • Dentists.

  • Paramedics.

  • Emergency medical technicians.

2) High Exposure Risk Jobs:

a. Healthcare delivery and support staff such as doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff are at high exposure risk because they have to enter patient's rooms, exposing themselves to known or suspected COVID-19 cases.

b. Medical transport workers are ambulance vehicle operators who will move known or suspected COVID-19 patients in closed vehicles.

c. Mortuary workers are involved in preparing the burial or cremation of the known or suspected bodies of COVID-19 patients.

3) Medium Exposure Risk Jobs:

They require frequent or close contact (within six feet) with virus-infected people, but they do not know they are suspected of COVID-19 cases. Employees of this group have frequent contact with travelers who return from international locations. Employees may have contact with the general public such as

  • Schools.

  • High-population-density work environments.

  • High-volume retail settings.

4) Lower Exposure Risk Jobs:

They do not require contact with people who are known or suspected of COVID-19, and they also do not get close contact within six feet of the general public. Workers under this category have minimal contact with the public and with other coworkers.

What Are the Changes Experienced in the Workplace Due to COVID-19?

1) Skipping of Work:

Employers and employees can frequently skip work because of the fear of possible exposure for the following reasons.

  • The employers, workers, and employees can be absent due to any illness.

  • They will not be present in the workplace if their family members are sick.

  • If the schools or daycare centers are closed, the caregivers of some children will not go to the workplace. Caregivers are health professionals, family members, friends, and social workers.

  • Having high-risked family members at home, such as immunocompromised individuals, will not appear to work.

2) Change in Business Patterns:

Customer during the COVID-19 outbreak will highly demand only the items of infection control, such as sanitizers, masks, and face shields, so the interest in buying other goods will decline. There will be a change in the shopping pattern due to the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of exposure. To reduce the person-to-person contact, customers increased their purchases -

  • During off-peak hours.

  • Increased interest in-home delivery services.

  • Drive-through service.

3) Shipment From Various Places:

Delivering the customer's order has been delayed due to the pandemic situation, or some items are currently interrupted from different geographic areas. COVID-19 has affected the shipments, which may be delayed or canceled with or without prior information. These services are now resumed with almost no restrictions. In the last two years, people have learned and have got into the habitof ordering things through various online merchants.

How to Maintain Social Distance at the Workplace?

COVID-19 is controlled by putting more distance between people. Following social distancing is the new change, and it should be practiced in the office by having:

  • Larger spaces between each cabin.

  • Fewer people in the meetings.

  • Six feet distance.

Social distancing policies at the workplace are:

1. Flexible work shifts are appreciated, and also plan for remote work and telework. Meetings and workstations should have the best technology for remote collaboration. Only allow,

  • Very few people in the office.

  • Reduce on-site meetings.

  • Do not allow visitors unless absolutely needed.

2. Scheduling works to have a minimal number of employers in a space at one time. People can execute daily shifts or segregate staff to work remotely for one week and come to the office the next week. Make sure all the areas are disinfected between shifts.

3. Also, the workspace should be set up with more distance between employees. Plastic dividers, physical barriers, floor decals, and six-foot-spaced desks guide the workers to walk and maintain physical distance. Do not share any types of equipment in the workplace.

4. Have a lower capacity entrance for common areas. People can also automate these processes by occupancy management systems, which help count the number of entities present and notify us when the number falls.

5. Offering remote or digital services minimizes physical contact when compared to take-out- the service at doorsteps.

How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 at the Workplace?

1) Ensure that the workplaces are clean and hygienic. For example, surfaces like desks and tables and objects like telephones and keyboards should be disinfected on a daily basis.

2) Employees, employers, and customers should follow regular hand-washing.

3) Place the sanitizing hand rub dispensers in important places around the workplace, and they are to be refilled regularly.

4) Encourage proper respiratory hygiene in the workplace.

5) Make sure surgical masks and tissue papers are available at the workplace for people with runny noses and coughs and ensure that they are disposed of hygienically.

6) Do not have unnecessary travel plans both locally and internationally.

7) In the event of unavoidable travel to locations reporting COVID-19, follow the below:

  • Check whether the organization and its employees have information on COVID-19 reporting cases.

  • Always ensure the travel instructions and share them with the employees.

  • All traveling persons should ensure a health care professional or staff health services when they feel sick while traveling.

  • Older employees, diabetic persons, and heart and lung diseased individuals are at higher risk of the disease, and they should avoid long travels.

  • Regularly wash hands and stay at a one-meter distance from people who are coughing and sneezing.

  • The employees should make sure of the instructions where they are traveling from the local authorities.

  • Once returned, the employees should quarantine themselves for 14 days and check the temperature twice a day.

  • If diagnosed with a mild cough or low-grade fever of 37.3 degrees Celsius, they should self-isolate, report to the nearest health care center and inform the workplace. Also, avoid close contact of one meter with other people and family members.

Conclusion:

Considering the major role of safety guidelines, people should follow COVID-19 protocols such as maintaining a social distance of one meter, maintaining six feet distance at the workplace, having a double mask, frequently washing hands, and avoiding frequent contact with eyes and face. Having the information that the novel coronavirus can stay back viable for hours and days, everybody should follow these above workplace strategies to reopen to avoid future surge of its cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How to Ensure Safety in the Workplace?

Ensuring safety in the workplace involves implementing measures to protect employees from harm or injury. To achieve this, employers can carry out risk assessments to identify potential hazards and then take steps to minimize or eliminate them. Safety measures may include providing personal protective equipment, establishing safety policies and procedures, training employees on safe practices, and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. It is essential to regularly review and update safety measures to ensure their effectiveness and prevent accidents or injuries from occurring.

2.

What Are Rules for Workplace Safety?

There are various guidelines for ensuring workplace safety, but here are the key rules to consider:
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Keep your workspace clean and tidy.
- Follow safe lifting techniques to avoid injury.
- Never work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Report any hazards or near-misses to your supervisor.
- Use proper tools and equipment for the job.
- Take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Know and follow all safety policies and procedures.

3.

What Are the Social Changes Seen Due to COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant social changes around the world. Some of the most notable changes include the widespread adoption of remote work and virtual communication, increased reliance on technology, changes in consumer behavior, and shifts in the way people socialize and interact with each other. The pandemic has also highlighted disparities in access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, further underscoring the need for social and economic reform.

4.

How Did the Pandemic Affect the Working Class?

The pandemic has had a profound impact on the working class, with many losing their jobs or facing reduced hours and income. The shift towards remote work has also created new challenges, with many workers struggling to balance their job responsibilities with their personal lives. The pandemic has exposed existing inequities in the labor market and highlighted the need for better protections and support for workers, especially those in low-wage jobs or precarious employment situations.

5.

How COVID-19 Is Affecting People?

The impact of COVID-19 on people can vary widely, from mild or asymptomatic cases to severe illness or even death. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, but some individuals may experience more severe respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological symptoms. COVID-19 can also have long-term effects on physical and mental health, even in individuals who have recovered from the acute illness. The pandemic has also had significant social and economic impacts, affecting people's access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

6.

Can COVID-19 Spread If the Test Is Negative?

Yes, it is possible to spread COVID-19 even if you test negative. COVID-19 tests, particularly rapid antigen tests, can produce false negative results if the virus is present in low quantities or if the test is not administered correctly. Additionally, a person may test negative in the early stages of infection when viral loads are low but then become infectious later on. It is important to continue practicing preventive measures, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, even if you have tested negative for COVID-19.

7.

Can One Go for a Walk with COVID-19?

Going for a walk while infected with COVID-19 is generally not recommended, as it increases the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Even if one wears a mask and practices social distancing, one may still exhale infectious particles into the air or contaminate surfaces that others may touch. It is important to self-isolate and follow the recommended quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. If a person needs to exercise or get fresh air, consider doing so in a private outdoor space or waiting until one is fully recovered.

8.

Is Omicron Contagious?

According to current research, individuals infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may be contagious for a shorter period than with earlier variants. However, it is still unclear exactly when individuals are most contagious with Omicron. Current guidelines recommend that individuals who test positive for COVID-19, including Omicron, self-isolate for at least five days and until their symptoms have improved and they have had no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

9.

How Does a Person Recover From COVID-19 Fast?

Recovery from COVID-19 can vary depending on the severity of the illness and the individual's overall health. In general, it is recommended to rest and stay hydrated and to take over-the-counter medications for symptom relief as needed. It is also important to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or if new symptoms develop. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments such as oxygen therapy or antiviral medication. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's advice and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a full recovery.

10.

When Does COVID-19 Get Worse?

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, from mild or asymptomatic cases to severe illnesses requiring hospitalization. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, but some individuals may experience more severe respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological symptoms. Certain individuals, such as those with underlying health conditions or who are immunocompromised, may be at a higher risk for severe illness.

11.

For How Long Will a Person Test Positive for Omicron?

The duration of a positive COVID-19 test result can vary depending on the individual's immune response and the severity of the illness. In general, individuals infected with the Omicron variant may test positive for a shorter duration than with earlier variants. However, some individuals may continue to test positive for several weeks or more, even after they have recovered from the acute illness. It is important to follow the recommended quarantine guidelines and self-isolate until you have tested negative for COVID-19.

12.

When Can a Person Stop Isolation?

The duration of isolation for COVID-19 can vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the severity of their illness. In general, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate for at least five days until their symptoms have improved and they have had no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that individuals continue to wear masks and practice social distancing for an additional five days after their isolation period has ended.

13.

Can a Person Have COVID-19 Without Fever?

Yes, it is possible to have COVID-19 without a fever. While fever is a common symptom of COVID-19, not all infected individuals will experience it. Other symptoms, such as cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and body aches, may be present instead. It is important to monitor all symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or if new symptoms develop, even if you do not have a fever.

14.

How Accurate Are Lateral Flow Tests?

Lateral flow tests are a rapid COVID-19 testing method that can provide results in 30 minutes. They are less accurate than laboratory-based PCR (polymerization chain reaction) tests but are more convenient and less expensive. The accuracy of lateral flow tests can vary depending on the individual's viral load and the quality of the test. False positives and false negatives can occur, so it is important to follow up with a confirmatory PCR test if a person receives a positive result on a lateral flow test or if there are symptoms of COVID-19.
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Dr. Radha Peruvemba Hariharan

Diabetology

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