If your staff has now returned to work after the nationwide COVID-19 shut downs, there are still likely many precautions and new rules to follow as you welcome people back into the building. While guidelines must be met for CDC adherence, they’re also set up to protect the health of your staff and to maintain productivity.
As a safety manager or person responsible for handling incidents in the workplace, COVID-19 has also increased awareness of the need for safety at all times. More workers today are reporting and submitting formal complaints about businesses who are missing the mark on safety amidst the pandemic.
Preparation and information are key to adjusting to this new work reality. Here are some tips for navigating the new waters as reporting injuries during COVID-19.
Reduce Risks
First things first, you need to lower chances of injury or illness. With everyone still concerned about contracting the coronavirus – which still does not have a known cure or vaccine – it is critical to take every step possible to reduce exposure at your workplace. This may mean creating ample distance between workspaces, closing off areas like the coffee machine and coat racks where people may commune.
State-specific reopening guidelines provide detailed steps employers should take per industry to protect their workers. It is important that you learn and understand those that apply to you. Those found to be in violation will risk citations and other fines.
Know What to Report & When
The other thing you’re going to have to become familiar with and follow are the new rules for reporting illness. This is one of the areas that many businesses are apprehensive about fearing further reviews or scrutiny.
These reports help with contract tracing and also to maintain safety for those who are at risk in your workplace and in the general public. OSHA has released record-keeping and reporting rules based on specific industries as a guideline to remain compliant. The last thing you want to subject yourself to is steep fines for failing to report or turning a bling eye. It’s worth reading the latest rules for your industry and any other steps required for you to report at the state and national level.
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