There are many things to consider as we deal with the fallout of a global pandemic, and it is more important now than ever that we are fully prepared when the time comes to go back to work. Of course, it will take a significant amount of time for life to return to how it was in 2019, but we can give ourselves the best chance by taking the necessary measures to stop the spread of the virus.
The Coronavirus can be spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. These particles can land on other people, clothing, and surfaces around them, and is largely thought to be transmitted through contact with our hands. For this reason, it’s important for our own safety that we keep our workplaces clean, paying particular attention to the surfaces that we touch on a daily basis.
Here are some ways you can keep your employees safe as we transition back into the workplace:
Supply 70% hand sanitizer
If at all possible, supply every desk or employee a hand sanitizer dispenser and put their name on it. Also, distribute them throughout the building, particularly anywhere people (employees or clients) congregate; such as reception desks, cafeterias, bathrooms, meeting rooms, and hallways.
Use ample signage
Remind employees and visitors of your guidelines. If they aren’t required to work at their own desk, provide anti-bacterial wipes and ask them to wipe down their workspace before they leave so it’s clean for the next person’s arrival. Also, consider having open doors throughout the building if it does not violate your fire health and safety, so people have less contact with door handles.
Employ one-way systems or ask employees to wear masks in hallways
If you can use a one-way system, that can be a good way to keep employees safe in narrow hallways. If not, consider providing masks so employees can still say hello to one another without worrying about the associated water droplets. While the effectiveness of masks is debated for helping people avoid catching the virus, even low-level masks can help stop the spread.
Keep face-to-face contact to a minimum, especially across teams
If you have to hold meetings or training sessions, you should consider whether this is necessary, and if it would be possible to do it virtually. If not, try to scale down numbers to a minimum. If the meeting does have to go ahead, take the previously mentioned steps, briefing colleagues of the safety measures you’ll be taking. If you can, keep teams contact-free with other teams, so contact time is minimized.
Work with a professional cleaning company
Working with a commercial cleaning company is the best way to ensure all regulations are met and your workplace is kept clean. You should seek an experienced company that has a robust knowledge of chemicals and develops and implements health and safety and injury management systems that meet an industry standard. Not only will you save yourself the stress of having to clean your workplace yourself, you will also have the peace of mind that your workplace has been thoroughly cleaned to a professional standard. If you are in Calgary, we can work with you to ensure your workplace is as clean as possible throughout this difficult time.
If you are looking for more information, make sure you read the latest workplace guidelines from the World Health Organization.
If you are looking for a professional cleaning company, in Calgary, we here at Cleanbrite are ready to help. We offer exceptional front-line service staff who can assure a sustained high level of service throughout these difficult times. We’ve been a cleaning service leader for over 25 years, and currently services over 3 million square feet of commercial space. To find out more about or commercial and industrial cleaning services, click here or request a quote today.