While it’s crucial to maintain high health standards for your facilities, Covid-19 has introduced a new concern- how to prevent the spread of disease. In the past year, there has been a wide range of guidelines put in place by health institutions and governments to mitigate the risks of exposure. Together with these guidelines and preventative safety measures, we guarantee that your facility will remain protected long after the pandemic is over.

Industrial settings are more prone to the spread of disease than at home. Learn how to stop the spread of illness at your workplace.

As a leader in workplace safety, we are committed to providing resources and information to help you protect your facilities. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the war against infectious diseases has been tighter than ever. Safety measures have included washing hands, keeping the workplace clean, not sharing personal equipment, and keeping a safe distance from fellow employees.

Since large manufacturing facilities and warehouses can be a hotspot for bacteria, there is an urgent need for action in order to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. Take note of the following ways to ensure you’re doing your part to reduce the spread of sickness in your industrial setting.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures include all the precautionary steps you can take to reduce the chance of bacterial diseases entering your work premises. According to CDC, you can take the following precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • All workers should have a basic understanding of COVID-19, how the disease is thought to spread, what the symptoms of the disease are, and what measures can be taken to prevent or minimize the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Use digital inventory tracking systems to limit personal contact.
  • Conduct virtual meetings.
  • Consider maintaining small groups of workers in teams (cohorting) to reduce the number of coworkers each person is exposed to.
  • Create work zones to separate teams and reduce contact with other workers.
  • Reduce the number of staff on-site at one time by increasing the number of shifts, staggering shifts, decreasing the overlap between shifts, and increasing facility hours of operation.
  • Implement flexible worksites (telework) for office staff to the extent feasible.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Maintain social distancing in the warehouse.
  • Limit the number of people in the warehouse at one time. (Consult state and local guidance if available.)
  • Use cloth face coverings or masks as appropriate.
  • Consider requiring visitors to the workplace (service personnel, customers) to also wear cloth face coverings or masks.

Keeping the Workplace Clean

A cleaner workplace keeps germs at bay and ensures the minimal spread of any disease that spreads through the filth. Be sure to frequently disinfect surfaces and working tools that workers share frequently in-between shifts and throughout the day. To be the most effective, it’s important to choose a disinfectant that has at least 70% alcohol content.

Some cleaning agents and hand sanitizers may be corrosive or harmful to your workers, so it’s important to keep in mind which products you’re using. If you regularly use toxic or hazardous chemicals, there is also a chance that disinfectants could react dangerously. Make sure your gas detection system is in good working order to prevent unsafe conditions for your employees.

If an Employee Gets Sick

In the unfortunate case that one of your employees tests positive for any infectious disease, isolation is key. Make sure there is a protocol in place for the employee to stay at home and prevent anyone else from getting sick.

If you begin to notice a worker exhibiting symptoms, it’s important for them to seek medical help before returning for work. Don’t forget to call in any local health workers to disinfect the affected persons’ work area to prevent any further spread.

Learning from the Pandemic

The pandemic has given safety managers across the world a reason to put certain protocols in place. While the goal has been to prevent the spread of disease, the overall benefit has been increased workplace safety and protection. At GDS, we’re committed to providing you with the most reliable and accurate safety detection devices. If you regularly deal with hazardous materials, we have a solution designed to fit your requirements.

Contact us for more information about our detection systems or for more ways to prevent the spread of disease in your workplace.