As the pandemic rages on, we have had to learn to live with COVID-19. Going back to the work environment requires complying with prevention protocols and standards, which will be in place for the foreseeable future.
Slowly but surely, society is going back to normal, with many people already back working in the office.
This return to the office calls for continued vigilance and care with regard to prevention and safety measures.
Let’s look at some of the preventive actions that companies are putting in place to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection.
COVID-19 Contagion Prevention Measures in the Workplace
Three blocks and areas of action are set out with a view to implementing and adhering to certain measures:
Before going to Work
- If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, etc.) you should stay at home. Call your community COVID-19 helpline or call your health centre directly.
- If you have been in close contact or shared a space, with no protective measures, with a person or people infected with COVID-19, stay at home and observe a 14-day self-quarantine. Look out for any COVID-19 symptoms that may develop.
- People at risk (age, medical conditions, pregnancy…) do not have to go to the workplace provided that they are unvaccinated or extreme precautions are taken.
Commuting to Work
- Although public transport is becoming increasingly COVID-19 safe, it is preferable to use individual transport or means that ensure social distancing can be maintained, in particular if you are at risk and are unvaccinated.
- Use of masks and social distancing. These are of the utmost importance, even if you are vaccinated. Remember, you may not get sick yourself, but you can still infect others.
At Work
- Plan tasks so that workers can maintain social distancing.
- Staggered shifts or staggered entry and exit times.
- The company must provide personal protective equipment
- Encourage and facilitate remote working.
- Keep hands clean
- Masks are of the utmost importance, even for those who have been vaccinated.
Some organisational measures to be highlighted are the following:
- Inform staff of new actions and protocols in accordance with occupational risk regulations.
- Provide hygiene and protection products.
- Adopt of specific measures to minimise the risk of transmission.
- Prevent contagion in the workplace and the cost of unnecessary sick leave.
- Training, training and training. Everyone must know how to protect themselves, how to protect others and how to act if a worker has symptoms.
Prevention of Occupational Risks and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to implement new conditions in the working environment to safeguard employees. The introduction of shifts is among the biggest changes some companies have made.
Now more than ever, a prevention training strategy capable of responding to the new needs of companies is fundamental in order to maintain a much safer and more capable environment in the face of COVID-19.