Plan for Success When Reopening Your Business

June 02, 2020

If your business is reopening or preparing to reopen, it is crucial that a well thought out plan is in place to keep workers and customers safe and healthy. Implementing the following engineering and administrative controls recommended by the CDC can help your business remain open and prosperous in the coming days:

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls involve isolating employees from work-related hazards. In workplaces where they are appropriate, these types of controls reduce exposure to hazards without relying on worker behavior and can be the most cost-effective solution to implement. Engineering controls for SARS-CoV-2 include:

• Installing high-efficiency air filters.
• Increasing ventilation rates in the work environment.
• Installing physical barriers, such as clear plastic sneeze guards.

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls require action by the worker or employer. Typically, administrative controls are changes in work policy or procedures to reduce or minimize exposure to a hazard. Examples of administrative controls for SARS-CoV-2 include:

• Encouraging sick workers to stay at home.
• Minimizing contact among workers, clients, and customers by replacing face-to-face meetings with virtual communications and implementing telework if feasible.
• Establishing alternating days or extra shifts that reduce the total number of employees in a facility at a given time, allowing them to maintain distance from one another while maintaining a full onsite work week.
• Discontinuing nonessential travel to locations with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks. Regularly check CDC travel warning levels at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers Developing emergency communications plans, including a forum for answering workers‚ concerns and internet-based communications, if feasible.
• Providing workers with up-to-date education and training on COVID-19 risk factors and protective behaviors (e.g., cough etiquette and care of PPE). Training workers who need to use protecting clothing and equipment how to put it on, use/wear it, and take it off correctly, including in the context of their current and potential duties. Training material should be easy to understand and available in the appropriate language and literacy level for all workers.

Also be sure to promote regular hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand rubs. Provide hand soap, disposable towels and hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. These measures will help ensure that your employees, and your business, remain healthy in the time to come.