Lifting the lockdown is a topic on many people's minds right now. And a question that we get asked a lot is how can companies persuade their staff that returning to work will be safe. In an article published on Open Access Government earlier this month, Shaun Doak analysed how organisations can keep workplaces safe. Clearly, the priority at the moment is to make sure that key workers who still need to be in a workspace are protected from coronavirus. Whether it’s a hospital, a warehouse or another work setting, we’ve got the expertise to provide regular deep cleaning. And we’ve got the rigorous processes which will help to ensure the safety of workers. But looking forward, it’s important to plan for what will happen after lockdown too.
Regular deep cleaning plays a key part in keeping workplaces safe
Right now, organisations employing key workers are implementing cleaning regimes aimed at reducing the risk of cross-infection, especially in shared high-touch areas. This includes cleaning, disinfecting and regular testing of surfaces to give confidence that these areas are clean. If someone in the workplace is likely to have a case of Covid-19, we’re on hand to provide immediate remediation once the person has left the premises. We react with trained teams who use specialist chemical cleaners and equipment to disinfect premises thoroughly. We remove any hazardous waste from the premises, as we’re a licensed waste carrier. And we reassure our clients that we’ve achieved success with ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing both before and after cleaning.
Other policies are helping to keep key workers safe. As part of refreshed first aid training, organisations are helping colleagues to understand the symptoms of Covid-19 and how to spot them. Where possible, it’s worth having a room permanently on standby to isolate anyone who develops symptoms while at work. Ensuring the symptomatic person has access to a telephone allows them to get the correct diagnosis, treatment and action plan. And it’s also worth isolating a nearby toilet/bathroom that they can exclusively use while on site.
Looking ahead to the lifting of lockdown restrictions
Businesses also need to consider now how they’ll safely get back to offices which have been shut down during lockdown. People have got used to new ways of working from home during lockdown. But many organisations are not yet ready to implement this level of digitisation longer term. They will still require most of their workers to return to central offices or hubs.
Therefore, organisations must plan to make post-lockdown offices safe for staff and visitors and to stop a second wave of infection. Of course, the measures outlined above such as regular deep cleaning will also be useful for any business returning to work. Whatever policies are framed for keeping workplaces hygienic after lockdown, it’s important to keep colleagues regularly updated. One key plank will be to encourage colleagues and visitors to exercise good hygiene, including washing their hands regularly. Having ready access to hand sanitisers around the workplace and encouraging their use underlines this.
Especially where safe social distancing in the workplace is a challenge, employers will need to consider making facemasks available to staff and visitors. Continuing to use electronic communication, such as video conferencing, wherever possible will limit risks. It’s worth stipulating that physical meetings can take place in rooms large enough for people to enter and remain at least 2 metres apart, to observe safe distancing protocols.
We’re cleaning specialists that can deliver on workplace safety
We’ve got the expertise to deliver regular deep cleaning to any organisation. For those still operating during lockdown, we’re here to provide immediate decontamination. And for those who are currently shuttered, we can make sure that the workplace is returned to safe and operational use as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted. All organisations will face a tough post-lockdown environment to avoid a second wave of infection and its debilitating consequences. But with us on board, they can meet the health and safety challenges of deep cleaning head-on.
You can read the full article here: Open Access Government #RegularDeepCleaning #BackToWorkPlans #WorkHygiene #SpecialistCleaning #REAT
Contact us today to find out more about planning regular deep cleaning to help keep workplaces safe.
Email: info@reactplc.co.uk
Website: www.reactsc.co.uk
Post by Shaun D. Doak
Shaun is the Managing Director of React Specialist Cleaning. He is deeply committed to making sure that every one of our company’s clients receives the highest possible level of service. An expert in HVAC and commercial and industrial cleaning methodologies, Shaun has extensive experience in the facilities management and renewable services sector.