There have been few moments in history where the implementation of hygiene practices in workplaces has been so critical. Today, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing employers to consider how to limit the spread of the virus in their physical worksites and with that comes a tight schedule of disinfecting and cleaning practices.
Companies need to consider increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces as well as common areas, according to Travelers, which has also provided guidance on how to carry out these procedures in more detail.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US and Canadian bodies like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety have likewise released detailed advice for workplaces that are beginning to reopen, touching on topics like hand-washing, using hand sanitizer, and preventing the spread of the virus in the workplace through regular cleaning.
“When you think about cleaning and disinfecting, you’ve really got to make sure you’re up to date with your policies for everything that’s going on at your facility,” said Dave Anderson (pictured above), technical director of the risk control industrial hygiene specialist group at Travelers.
He highlighted the need to focus on high touch surfaces, including door pushes, handles, touchpads, elevator buttons, faucets, sinks and electronic devices, and common areas, such as entryways, lobbies, hallways and restrooms, in addition to following guidance from government associations as well as using disinfecting materials in accordance with their instructions to minimize risk to employees and customers.
Besides stringent cleaning, other considerations that business leaders need to think about right now include social distancing measures, which could be challenged by the physical limitations at a facility or small business as far as their space and their occupancy goes, added Anderson. In some cases, these businesses might not be able to provide adequate space between employees or as they serve customers, which is why staggering those returning to work and looking to other options, like serving people outside, might be necessary for some businesses.
Many companies have already implemented their own cleaning and disinfecting procedures, including brokerages with retail locations that are reopening to customers. However, many other businesses likely feel daunted by the complexity of approaching reopening with health and safety guidelines in hand. However, the proven ability of a lot of businesses to adapt to this new normal has been a positive sign.
“We’re very capable of adapting in a relatively short amount of time,” explained Scott Humphrey (pictured below), second vice president of risk control at Travelers. “If we had actually decided to relocate and work remotely as a company, it might have taken a year to figure it out, but when you’re forced to do it, you’re quicker at making decisions. I think companies are probably working in a more agile environment and are working faster to make decisions. Hopefully, they’re able to make good decisions.”
How businesses adapt in the coming months with the help and guidance of insurance and risk professionals will indicate their ability to operate in the new world. Successful businesses that have a clear understanding of their business objectives and how to continue offering their services are more likely to survive and thrive, said Humphrey, “versus someone that might be waiting to return to the old way of doing business that we may not go back to.”
