List of Ideas for Employers to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus and Protect their Essential Employees

While the President, Governor, and CDC have encouraged working from home, we know many workers have still been going into work because their responsibilities demand it. On March 23rd, however, Governor Jay Inslee announced a stay-home order that will close many more businesses and increase pressure on businesses to have their employees working from home.

Are you a business owner or manager and still have employees out and about as your business is considered an essential business in this time? Below are some ideas. Stay safe!

Facemasks/Surgical Masks. Should we get them?

No, donate them to a local hospital. The CDC has repeatedly said these should be saved for medical workers and those with symptoms. There is currently a shortage and healthcare workers are even resorting to making their own.

Meetings

In general, skip meetings or make them remote. If you must have in-person meetings, remember your social distancing etiquette and stay 6 feet apart.

Wear gloves so long as healthcare workers have theirs

Even non-sterile gloves can help your hands stay clean.

Hand washing

Require frequent handwashing throughout shifts, before and after shifts, or whatever milestones make sense in your business model.

Phones

Remind employees and partners to sanitize their phones.

Start times

Stagger start and stop times of shifts as to reduce amount of people commuting (via public transportation) at any given time.

Door handles

Prop restroom doors open slightly (when appropriate) to avoid touching handles.

Increase paper towels in bathroom so people can use the paper towels to open door handles.

Evangelize

Create a culture where teammates, partners, clients are all reminded to wash their hands when in the field or on the job.

Signage

Post “handwashing” signs throughout your facility.

Sanitize regularly

Wipe down products and surfaces often.