As
states are easing or phasing out of their stay-at-home orders, businesses
should be opened in phases depending on their ability to adhere to guidelines
aimed at limiting the potential for transmission of COVID-19 between employees
and/or customers. Independent’s
offices are or have allowed more employees to return to the workplace.
Based upon recent info, the following states have established rolling
reopening dates
Arizona
– May 22 Florida – May 5 Delaware –
June 1 Maryland – May 16
We
realize reopening the workplace may present our teams with numerous challenges
and concerns; but, rest assured the logistics and safety are at the top of our
minds! We want to ease into the workplace which means working remotely
will continue. Of course, such discussions should occur with your team
leader. To ease back in to the workplace, the following are items that
should be followed –
- As you know, facemasks are becoming somewhat of a
fashion statement. The use of facemasks in the workplace and OSHA’s
recommendation of making that voluntary should be followed. Wearing
such coverings will help to avoid the spread the viruses. Some of our
production positions require the use of masks and gloves for added
protection when working
- The availability of hand sanitizers and wipes for
employees to use when in the offices
- Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself
and others, so this should be done as often as possible.
- IF you are sick – PLEASE do not come to the
workplace. IF you’re in the workplace, and feel sick – go
home. Please keep your team leader aware of this situation.
- Separation of workstations and staggering work
schedules should be considered, as well as break times to reduce the
number of employees in the facility or a work area at a given time.
- Social distancing (six feet) as much as
humanly possible
- Mandatory requirements for outside visitors. (Should
we have free masks and hand sanitizers available for those people who show
up without a mask?)
It
is important to follow the CDC and state guidelines in all of our offices to
maintain a safe workplace for our employees, but it is also important for
everyone to use their good judgment with helping out with this “new normal”.
It
is also critical to recognize the opinions of our employees. Therefore,
we ask for your ideas and recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy
workplace. To help with that, email your ideas and/or recommendations to
Ed Dulin and Wanda Ford-Waring at inicorporate@newszap.com
.
