Leading manufacturing industry experts are suggesting numerous safety standards that will keep employees safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. In this post, we’ll review these precautions and explain how you can afford them during these challenging times.
1. Train Employees on New Best Practices
Understandably, your workforce isn’t accustomed to working amidst a pandemic or following new industry standards. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your team is up to speed on how your operations will change when it’s time to return to work.
When you reopen, train employees on how to properly put on, use, and remove protective gear and manufacturing equipment. This will help them know how to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their families. Provide clear instructions on other job site rules, so that they’re prepared to work in these new conditions while remaining productive.
2. Promote Social Distancing
Most likely, you and your team understand the importance of social distancing during this time. Because it’s been proven to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it’s imperative that you and your team socially distance in the workplace.
Before commencing operations, confirm that employees can always maintain six feet of distance. To do this, you may need to install plexiglass shields so that there are barriers between employee workstations. If your business’s operating location is too small to ensure social distancing for your entire team, it might be prudent to stagger employee shifts
3. Provide Necessary Tools and Equipment
In the past, you may have allowed employees to share tools or equipment. At this time, having communal items isn’t safe, as it can increase the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Of course, purchasing additional tools and equipment can be expensive, so consider weighing your financial options, including small business loans and grants.
4. Take Employees’ Temperatures at the Start of Each Shift
Businesses in many industries are safely reopening their operations by requiring employees to have their temperatures taken prior to entering the establishment. At the start of an employee’s shift, take their temperature to ensure they aren’t sick. If they happen to have a temperature, it’s best that they stay home until they’re feeling better. Although this might seem like a time-consuming initiative, it’ll protect your employees from COVID-19.
5. Make Cleaning and Disinfecting a Top Priority
During this time, cleanliness should be a top priority in the workplace. This means hiring a professional cleaning crew to disinfect your business location on a weekly (if not daily) basis.
If you can’t afford professional cleanings, use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N to keep your business sanitary. In addition, all employees should have access to handwashing stations, hand sanitizer, and disposable towels for cleaning workstations and surfaces.
Although these uncertain times can be overwhelming for any business owner, it’s possible to resume operations if you comply with state and industry standards.
To implement these measures and make necessary purchases, you may want to pursue additional financing. We know that having access to business capital during this time is a top priority, and we’re here to help. Learn more about our financing solutions here.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
