Most school facilities have been closed because of the coronavirus, but many education institutions have some employees that must continue to work in facilities and on campuses to keep essential operations running.
It's critical for those workers to take precautions to maintain their health and safety, as well as the health and safety of co-workers.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has compiled 10 steps that workplaces can take to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
OHSA's recommendations:
•Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
•Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
•Provide a place to wash hands or provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.
•Limit worksite access to only essential workers, if possible.
•Establish flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
•Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, or other work tools and equipment.
•Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the work environment.
•Use cleaning chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency with label claims against the coronavirus.
•Follow manufacturer’s instructions for use of all cleaning and disinfection products.
•Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.
Duke University in Durham, N.C., also has issued new guidelines for employees and contractors required to work on site to support critical campus operations.
- Self-screening: Before reporting to work, individuals should take their temperature and assess any potential symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose or sinus congestion, sore throat, muscle aches, and headaches. Workers who develop symptoms should not return to work until they have been cleared by Employee Health.
- Wear a mask: All individuals should wear a mask or cloth face covering in public. Those who work on site in support of Duke’s critical operations will be provided a mask if they do not have one. Healthcare workers should continue to use masks provided upon entry and follow the Masking Protocol for Team Members Guidance .
- Maintain at least six-feet social distance: Continue to practice social distancing measures of maintaining at least 6 feet from others to prevent the transmission of the virus. Do not gather in groups and avoid crowded places and gatherings of five or more people.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a public place, or after nose blowing, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching face: Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
