As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage economies with consequential effects on businesses, there are concerted global efforts to contain the Virus and flatten the curve. Nations are also putting in place strategies to commence economic activities.
Despite the relaxation by the Nigerian government during the (corornavirus) Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important to figure out ways to stay safe at workplace because your habit must include precautions and living a healthy lifestyle.
However, the association of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has developed a Guideline, identifying potentially applicable standards and general precautions. This Guideline is aimed at assisting member-companies to take precautionary measures to prevent the contamination of their Workplace when the lock-down is relaxed and business activities resume.
Many people spend at good chunk of time at work, but not withstanding, it is necessary to take care of yourself while working to ensure a healthy life and safety to reduce the spread of the virus. Most people occupy their entire time at work being busy and neglecting few lifestyle patterns that can help them maintain a safe and sound daily life.
To stay safe at workplace, these 6 tips are to be considered:
Pre-resumption protocols
In preparation for resumption of business activities, it is expected that the business/work area would be free from all hazards that could expedite the spread of the Virus. Actions to take could include, but not limited to fumigation of entire office area, Cleaning of all surfaces, work-tools, general areas (Reception, car parks, rest rooms) and Establishment of hand-wash/disinfecting area for visitors, clients and vendors.
Audit of Human resource policies and Establishment of strict Protocols
There should be strict protocols on Employee Travel Policy and Work Arrangement Policies (Work from Home, Teleworking, Staggered resumption time, Flexi-hours, tele-conferencing, resumption/closing time, Social Distancing in the office)
Staffs should have Personal Protective Equipment like facemask, gloves and Policy on General Workplace Hygiene Policy should be monitored and improved.
While all employees should continue to practice social distancing and personal hygiene, employers also need to take additional measures to protect the workplaces and employees, who are providing essential services.
We urge Employers to review and revisit all work-related policies in their organizations.
Work resumption protocols communication
Communicate new or reviewed policies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace in simple and unambiguous manner. Follow-up to ensure that the Policies are understood by employees.
Increase communication to staff and customers about COVID-19 and measures you are taking for prevention and Post signs asking ill clients or customers to stay away from the workplace.
Post signs encouraging good respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, and other healthy practices.
Social Distancing between Internal and External Clients
Evaluate the workplace for areas where people have frequent contact with each other and objects, ensuring increase in frequency of cleaning in these areas.
Consider ways that employees can practice social distancing, such as increased work- station spacing.
Consider minimizing interactions between customers and your employees, such as limiting the number of customers permitted in your establishment or serving customers over the phone. Ideally, distancing as advised by WHO should be maintained, unless there is a physical barrier. Special attention should be given to your Reception area and other areas with high visitors’ traffic
Ensure there are not more than 2 or 4 people inside a lift and if necessary, switch off your lift entirely. The lift is a breeding-ground for the virus.
Encourage collaboration via phone, intercom and other online means and provide the necessary facilities and cleaning products to maintain a clean and safe workplace.
Provide access to hand-washing facilities and place hand sanitizing dispensers in prominent locations throughout the workplace.
Ensure that high traffic work areas or frequently touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected more often, and cleaning supplies are available for employees to clean and disinfect their workspaces.
Provide employees with necessary personal protective equipment recommended by Government guidelines and training to ensure it is used correctly. Non usage should attract strict penalties.
Ensure everyone entering into your office premises or the workplace has a face mask on.
Employee Commuting, Sick Leave and Reporting Procedures
Consider relaxing sick leave policies and determine Protocol for reporting any form of symptom noticed by employees in the workplace. Meanwhile, for employees that utilize public transportation to work, considerable flexible hours could be allowed to avoid peak travel periods.
If available or affordable, the use of staff bus could reduce the challenge of transportation and Encourage co-commuting among employees with cars and those without.
Prepare for increases in absenteeism due to illness among employees and their families and Establish a channel for employees to report self or other colleagues showing symptoms of illness.
Communication to employees
All employees should ensure they understand and comply with the prevention policies and practices in the workplace.
Keep your environment clean and Use appropriate disinfectants to clean items like your desk, work surface, phones, keyboards and electronics, cash registers, keypads, elevator buttons, customer service counters and restaurant tables more often, especially when visibly dirty.
Keep your Physical distance, of at least 2 metres between you, your coworkers, and customers.
Reduce activities that require close physical proximity or contact with people, such as team meetings and Limit contacts closer than 2 metres to the shortest time possible.
Avoid visiting crowded areas and public gatherings. PERSONAL HYGIENE, Wash (at least for 20 second) and sanitize your hands as often as possible.
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. As advised by the World Health Organisation, avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth, and Always carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If you have a symptom of COVID-19
If you think you might have COVID-19, strictly follow your office Protocol. It is critical that if you have one symptom of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing), or even mild symptoms, you should stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
If you develop even mild symptoms while at your workplace, separate yourself from others and go home, avoiding use of public transport (e.g. buses, taxi, etc.) if possible.
Contact your Human Resource or Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and follow their advice.
