Maximizing Pandemic Downtime: A Focus on Safety

Businesses across Louisiana have made heroic efforts to flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19 in our state. As restrictions ease, what’s next for your company? Before you open your doors for business, the LWCC Safety Services Team reminds business leaders to take advantage of the fact that many companies currently have few, if any, employees on-site. Limited foot traffic makes this an excellent time to review and implement coronavirus and general safety protocols in advance of transitioning employees back to work.

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On-Call Safety Consultants

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Workplace safety and wellness is a top priority at LWCC, and Consultants on Call are available to conduct a virtual safety visit of your workplace. Should your workplace practices currently allow for visitors, our consultants can also hold in person safety visits. All you need is a phone or internet connection for your device and the ability to record and upload a short video. A consultant will then work with you to determine best safety practices based on your workplace history and anticipated needs moving forward.

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Whether or not you choose to work with a consultant, building preparation is a key consideration as you contemplate a comprehensive return to work plan. And since the most important component of reopening your business is the health and safety of your workforce, the LWCC Safety Services Team has published the following building preparation guide, which outlines everything from disinfection protocols to advice on cleaning or updating ventilation systems.

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Get in touch with our Consultants on Call

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800-227-4969 or email safetyrep@lwcc.com

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Building Preparation and Return to Work

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Whether or not you choose to work with a consultant, building preparation is a key consideration as you contemplate a comprehensive return to work plan. Since the most important component of reopening your business is the health and safety of your workforce, the LWCC Safety Services Team has published several building preparation and return to work items to guide your business as they safety return.

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• Building Preparation Guide – Guidelines to disinfect your office in advance of workers returning and following their arrival
• Return to Work Checklist – To assist employers in implementing a plan to control the spread of COVID-19
• Return to Work Plan – A template to guide the development of a formal return to work plan
• Return to Work Posters – Printable posters and information on COVID-19 to keep employees informed

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CDC Safety Recommendations

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For up to date information, it is recommended business leaders frequently check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recently released new guidelines and recommendations that employers can follow to protect workers and clients. Suggested workplace changes entail spacing desks six feet apart or erecting plastic shields between work spaces. Additional recommendations include removing all common seating areas and reorganizing the kitchen and communal spaces.

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Work From Home Health and Wellness

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Companies planning to continue remote work for the foreseeable future, it’s equally important to keep the safety, health, and wellness of workers at home in mind. To that end, our team has put together a few simple suggestions to ensure your workforce is being taken care of, even when outside the office.

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First and foremost is to ensure home-based employees have an ergonomic setup and a distraction-free zone. (That being said, it’s also important to remember that in many cases, kids, pets and the dining table serving double duty as an office desk continue to pose challenges, which is why it’s essential for management teams to recognize that adapting to new ways of working post-pandemic will take time.) Our Safety Services Team also advises business leaders to help home-based employees maintain a work-life balance by encouraging a regular routine, healthy eating throughout the day, and a variety of fitness programs. Click here for tips and recommendations.

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No matter the physical location, workplace safety and wellness remain LWCC’s primary concern. The above guidelines and protocols will go a long way toward easing health fears, encouraging overall well-being, and boosting post-pandemic productivity.