Make sure your workplace is clean and safe for employees.

Broadly, OSHA states that it is an employer’s responsibility to provide a clean and safe workplace that is free from known hazards. Usually, this comes up more in the context of exposure to occupational chemicals or bloodborne pathogens (especially for healthcare workers), but infectious diseases like the coronavirus pose risks to workers, too. There is no specific OSHA standard covering COVID-19, but some OSHA requirements may apply when it comes to preventing exposure to the coronavirus in your workplace. The closest analogy is probably a widespread flu outbreak, which OSHA has established guidance on in the past. Coronavirus is somewhat different and still less understood, but their recommendations can be useful to keep your workplace safe.

Protect against spread of Coronavirus

• Promote personal hygiene. For example, provide tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and disposable wipes for employees to clean their work surfaces.
• Educate on prevention. Provide employees with up-to-date info on coronavirus risk factors and protective behaviors, like cough etiquette and symptom assessment.
• Minimize exposure. Consider ways to minimize physical contact between employees and with clients or customers, such as email, web conferencing, and telecommuting. Schedule work tasks in ways that decrease the likelihood of exposure. Reschedule, postpone, or consider making all-hands meetings and events virtual. Encourage ill employees to stay at home without fear of any reprisals.
• Perform routine environmental and disinfection cleaning. Surfaces that should be regularly cleaned include: Workstations and desks, light switches, floors and walls, counter tops, door knobs, bathrooms, eating areas, and other touch points.

COVID-19 Safety Doesn’t Stop There

With so many people under one roof, it can be virtually impossible to maintain a clean and sanitary workplace without help. Let Hercules Services keep your office or other commercial property clean and germ-free with full-service commercial cleaning solutions. Contact us to get started today.