COVID-19 is a dangerous disease that has caused a lot of concern within companies worldwide. While there are many steps you can proactively take to limit the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, what do you do if it happens? Curbing the fear and concern among employees, keeping them safe, and staying on track with your business goals can be difficult without an action place. Here’s what you need to know about handling a COVID-19 outbreak in the workforce.
Identify Who Should Self-Isolate
To keep the infection from spreading, it’s crucial for employers to identify those who must self-isolate immediately. Risking exposure to COVID-19 could potentially result in too many employees becoming sick to work. Here’s how to determine if someone should self-isolate.
- If they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing COVID-19 symptoms
- If they live in the same household as someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is showing COVID-19 symptoms
- Has been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
While some level of honesty will be required from employees, it is important to help them understand that self-isolation is in the interest of all employees and not just their own.
Identify Possible Exposures
Although it is strongly recommended, not every point listed above requires self-isolation. However, those who have been exposed to COVID-19 can cause fear in other employees.
When individuals suspect exposure or think they might have contracted COVID-19, it is up to the employer to decide the appropriate level of caution to take. Talking with the employee about self-isolation, requiring a COVID test, or putting them on a project on their own are all possible steps to take to help limit fear involving potential exposure.
Assess The Risk
While every employee should be responsible for their individual health, it is the employer’s job to set the framework. Analyze your business, determine the risks, and work to neutralize them. You can do so through the following steps.
- Identify which activities or situations may be causing the transmission of COVID-19
- Consider who may be at risk
- Determine possible exposure
- Work to remove the activity or situation. If not possible, control and communicate the risk with others
COVID – 19 is highly contagious. Thus you should take time to familiarize yourself with the risks and symptoms. Educate your team about the risks and precautions they should be taking. Help them understand their role in workplace safety and encourage them to take necessary steps to protect not only their health but the health of others. Handling a COVID-19 outbreak in the workforce does not have to be stressful. Make sure you’re prepared for when it happens, and your team will thank you for it!
How Can We Help?
Work Health Solutions offers comprehensive healthcare solutions for your medical needs. Our qualified team treats patients and employers alike and always provides top-quality service. We back our quality service with years of experience working with academic and research institutions, corporate healthcare, Fortune 25 companies, small governments, and local businesses. Reach out today with any questions you may have about how we can assist you!
