By now, we have all heard about the six-foot rule as it applies to COVID; here are five more things we need to know.
By now, we have all heard about the six-foot rule as it applies to COVID: when meeting and talking to people, especially if they are not wearing a mask, we should stand at least six feet apart. It is even a good idea if everyone is wearing a mask. But this is just one of six rules we must always remember when it comes to health and safety in the workplace.
Here are the other five that building managers and staffers should be aware of:
Friendly but responsible.
In the early days of the pandemic, and when we first started wearing masks, there was a tendency for many people to be a bit standoffish from others, especially if they were not wearing a mask. When on the street or in a grocery store, this is understandable. But it probably will not make many friends in the office. Instead, we must be friendly, but responsible. We can still carry on conversations with other office workers but be sure and wear a mask and social distance.
In the early days of the pandemic, and when we first started wearing masks, there was a tendency for many people to be a bit standoffish from others, especially if they were not wearing a mask. When on the street or in a grocery store, this is understandable. But it probably will not make many friends in the office. Instead, we must be friendly, but responsible. We can still carry on conversations with other office workers but be sure and wear a mask and social distance.
Respect messaging. Most of our clients have turned to different forms of messaging to remind people to social distance, wear masks, wash their hands, and take other steps to keep themselves and others healthy. We see these messages in restrooms, food service areas, and common zones in a building. Office staff is always encouraged to read these messages and follow the rules. They will help us all get through this situation safely.
Walk clockwise.
The best way to get from point “A” to point “B” in an office setting is to walk clockwise. You may think this is not possible, but if you double-check your facility’s layout, it almost always can be done. The reason this is important is that if some people walk clockwise and others walk counterclockwise in an office, they likely will come a little too close to each other in the process. This can be dangerous. Of course, the situation is worse if one or both parties are not wearing a mask.
The best way to get from point “A” to point “B” in an office setting is to walk clockwise. You may think this is not possible, but if you double-check your facility’s layout, it almost always can be done. The reason this is important is that if some people walk clockwise and others walk counterclockwise in an office, they likely will come a little too close to each other in the process. This can be dangerous. Of course, the situation is worse if one or both parties are not wearing a mask.
Stick to your corner.
Riding an elevator can be very risky, so managers must create some specific guidelines for riding an elevator safely. The big concern may not be touching the elevator buttons, although we should always wash our hands or use a hand sanitizer after doing so. The big concern is breathing. If someone is contagious, the viral particles will likely fill the elevator and can be dangerous, even if others are wearing a mask.
Riding an elevator can be very risky, so managers must create some specific guidelines for riding an elevator safely. The big concern may not be touching the elevator buttons, although we should always wash our hands or use a hand sanitizer after doing so. The big concern is breathing. If someone is contagious, the viral particles will likely fill the elevator and can be dangerous, even if others are wearing a mask.
The best way to ride the elevator is for everyone to look straight ahead, move to a corner of the elevator, and not talk to each other. If not too insulting to fellow elevator passengers, facing the wall of the elevator can also be helpful. If possible, and depending on the elevator’s size, no more than three people should ride the elevator at one time. A larger elevator may be able to accommodate five people.
Clear your desk every night.
Most cleaning contractors have increased their cleaning and disinfecting programs because of the virus. Some are using electrostatic sprayers to coat entire areas with an infection-fighting mist. It makes it easier for cleaning professionals to clean and disinfect surfaces -and for the electrostatic sprayers to perform more effectively – if desks are cleared each workday.
Most cleaning contractors have increased their cleaning and disinfecting programs because of the virus. Some are using electrostatic sprayers to coat entire areas with an infection-fighting mist. It makes it easier for cleaning professionals to clean and disinfect surfaces -and for the electrostatic sprayers to perform more effectively – if desks are cleared each workday.
Remember, we are here to help you handle the reopening of your facilities with the goal of protecting health and your businesses staying open. While the process may seem daunting initially, many times, a third set of eyes can put together a safe and healthy workplace quickly and surprisingly easily.
Contact us for more information.
We are infection control experts, here to help building managers keep their facilities cleaner, healthier, greener, and safer, in the most cost-effective ways possible. To learn more about Secure Clean, contact us at 888-609-1410.
