Some Vital Advice for Reopening Office Buildings Post-Lockdown

Many office groups are currently finalizing the protocols they need to follow in the coming weeks to ensure that their employees remain safe and healthy. Businesses like CNN, Disney, and Goldman Sachs have all resumed operations, so it’s safe to say that a return to partial normalcy is in the cards.

 

From disallowing food and other online deliveries to making sure each person entering the building has the appropriate personal protective equipment, here are some steps you should take so business can continue as usual.

Separating workspaces and using the right equipment

Before the pandemic hit, most businesses tried to fit as many workstations as possible into a single room. However, this isn’t practical anymore. To flatten the curve, social distancing measures must continue to be employed.

Each workstation must be stationed at least six feet away from any surrounding workstations. If possible, the workstations should be divided using non-porous barriers that are made of materials such as plexiglass.

Using the right personal protective equipment is also imperative. Everyone in the workplace should be required to wear gloves and face masks. In case someone forgets their PPE, the office should have its own supply. Signs should be posted around the office reminding clients and employees to wash their hands several times with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time. 

Encourage your employees to regularly use 70% alcohol hand sanitizer when they’re at their workstations.

Establish strict cleaning protocols

Hypervigilance is the need of the hour when it comes to cleaning protocols. If your office is regularly cleaned and all surfaces are regularly wiped down with Lysol disinfecting wipes, the risk of the COVID-19 virus spreading reduces dramatically. 

Keeping the office clean during these dire times is a communal responsibility. So, buy hand sanitizer in bulk and set up sanitization stations across the office. Remind your employees to wipe their stations and accessible surfaces using disinfecting alcohol wipes.

 

Crowd control

There’s nothing that works like social distancing does to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. This is why it’s essential to limit the number of people in any room so all your employees can stay at a safe distance from each other. 

If your business can be carried out online, encourage employees to work from home as much as possible.

Use infrared thermometers to check the temperature of each person entering a room. If any of your employees show the slightest symptoms, they should be isolated and sent home. 

It’s also imperative that you ensure that each employee is aware of the COVID-19 precautions your business is taking. Encourage open communication and answer employees’ questions concerning these new business protocols.

Safety 1^st PPE is a one-stop-shop for all your personal protective equipment and hygiene needs. Visit their website today to buy alcohol-based hand wipes, face masks, 70% alcohol hand sanitizer, and other disinfecting products for your office.