With Unlock 1.0 in India, a number of relaxations have been announced across the country. Many companies have started their operations and professionals are slowly moving back to their workplaces.
It becomes important for employers to take the necessary steps to ensure that employees have a safe and secure work environment. Likewise, the employees have an equal responsibility to follow instructions and take precautions.
Measures to be followed to prevent the spread COVID-19 at workplaces:
1. Social Distancing:
Avoid person-to-person contact, including handshakes and hugs
Replace in-person meetings with calls, video conferences, and emails
Maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times, wherever you are, including in the elevators, pantries, toilets and meeting rooms
Use the staircase to minimize/avoid crowding inside elevators
Eat lunch at individual desks and not in groups
Keep a minimum distance of 2 meters between two seats or work desks
Avoid using common amenities such as gym, library and phone booths in the office building
2. Cleaning and Sanitization:
Disinfect building premises regularly, including all toilets and storerooms
Clean common surfaces or touchpoints such as doorknobs, staircase railings and lift buttons, every 1 hour
Place alcohol-based hand sanitizers at multiple points inside the office. Make sure they are kept away from fire or flame.
Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water
Disinfect table-tops, meeting desks, chairs, plug points, chargers, etc. every day
Avoid using cutlery like spoons and mugs in the office. Carry your own bottles and mugs
Suspend entry of pets inside pet-friendly buildings temporarily
3. Food & Package Delivery Handling:
Strictly follow all rules of contact-less delivery
Restrict food and package delivery to the main gate of the office. Individuals to walk up to the main gate or reception area to collect their delivery
Avoid ‘Cash-on-delivery’ for all types of packages. Use online payment methods and prepay for all deliveries
4. Other Important Precautions:
Wear a face mask at all times inside the office premises
Wear hand gloves if you need to touch different surfaces constantly. Follow your workplace guidelines with respect to wearing gloves, for example - it is compulsory for healthcare and manufacturing sector employees.
Undergo a temperature screening at the main gate, every day
Keep employers informed about you and your family’s health.
Avoid going to the office and work from home, if someone seems to be sick in the family
In conclusion, we understand that the COVID-19 outbreak has been challenging for all of us. With the right precautions and safety measures, we will be able to fight this together. All professionals who can work from home should continue to do so, to keep themselves, their family, and others safe.
Let’s be safe, stay safe!