June is National Safety Month, so we’re looking back and discussing what this means in a post-Covid world. Aspects of National Safety Month this year have gained additional relevance in the aftermath of the Covid-19 issue, and priorities have shifted as a result.
So, let’s take a look at some of our safety priorities, including safety in terms of mental, as well as physical, well-being and how workplaces can help with this.
Safety Precautions with COVID-19
Businesses and organisations have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with many being forced to close or operate remotely.
As more businesses begin to reopen their offices, it’s important for them to put new protocols and strategies in place to promote a healthy workplace and protect their employees.
Ways to Create a Safe Workplace Post-Covid
To create and sustain a healthy environment for their employees, businesses will need to utilise some carefully designed strategies. They must consider the requirements of the people, systems, and procedures that keep their companies operating. Some suggested strategies include the following.
Assembling the Required Materials
Purchase air filters, plexiglass partitions and hand sanitizer. Set up sanitation stations in the bathrooms, common areas, and reception areas of the office and make these materials easily accessible.
Changing Furniture Arrangements
To stop the spread of airborne viruses while maintaining face-to-face communication, businesses may also build plexiglass barriers between desks, in conference rooms, or at reception areas.
Announcing Best Practises with Signs
Set up reminders for staff members to wash their hands properly. Particular attention should be paid to these procedures in public areas including reception areas, cafeterias, and break rooms.
We advise reading the official employer guidance from the UK government as well as the official guidance from the World Health Organization for more information. Please be aware that these could change.
Supporting Those with Mental Illness
Mental health is often overlooked and misunderstood in the workplace. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to the increase of people now struggling with mental health issues. This is why, now more than ever, it is important for workplaces to prioritise supporting those with mental health issues.
Ensure that the staff has access to resources and professional assistance should they require it. It's crucial to have a strong health and safety culture at work in order to protect your employees' physical wellbeing as well as to give them a sense of support and understanding. It is wise to actively engage with your staff, promoting open communication and raising awareness of any potential issues. While doing this on its own won't make any mental health problems go away overnight, employees may feel much more prepared to deal with their stress if they believe their company understands and supports them.
Create a Safety Culture
It's wise to meet with your employees and go over any changes in processes or procedures you want to make, as well as why, rather than making significant changes to day-to-day operations right away. Employees are much more inclined to follow rules they've been consulted on than ones they haven't. Doing this can not only help people understand the situation, but it can also assist to ensure that the new rules are being followed.
Keep Your Workplace Safe with Label Source
Like in any situation, properly informing and reminding workers about their safety will keep their attention and motivate them to help preserve it.
At Label Source, we provide a vast range of safety signs that you can use to keep your employees safe.
