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Best ways to stay safe when getting back to work

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The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet come to an end, but the reopening process of businesses and workplaces is well underway. After spending weeks and months cooped up indoors during the lockdown, a lot of people are going to be getting back to work soon, if they haven’t already, and it can be both an exciting and worrying experience.

Many people are quite pleased with the prospect of getting back into a more familiar working environment and routine, seeing their colleagues once more, and feeling like life is slowly getting back to normal. But plenty are also rightly worried about the risks and dangers associated with the coronavirus.

Even though the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has shared safe guidelines for getting back to work, it’s important to understand that the risk of infection is still out there, and even if you feel that the virus might not pose a threat to you, it could prevent a risk to those you know if you were to pass it onto them. This is why it’s so important to stay safe at work, and here are our top tips for transitioning back to the workplace in the safest way possible.

Stay Sanitized

Since the virus is able to spread so easily on surfaces, keeping your hands clean is the number one way to protect yourself and others when getting back to work. Hand sanitization stations should be provided by your employer at key locations around your workplace, like by the entrance, for example.

Unfortunately, we can’t rely solely on our employers to take care of this matter on our behalf, so you have to play a part too by washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, trying not to touch many surfaces while walking around, and, if you have your own desk or workstation, keeping it clean and sanitized too.

Follow Social Distancing Guidelines

The CDC encourages all workers to try and remain at least six feet apart from one another. Of course, if you’re stuck on public transport in close proximity with other commuters or packed into a tight office, this might seem like much more of a challenge and may even appear impossible in some cases.

However, even though there may be times when proper social distancing can’t be followed, do all you can to keep your distance when possible. Maintaining distance from others can have a big impact in helping to reduce the spread of the virus, so try to avoid slipping into former working habits like getting up close to colleagues when you want to say something to them.

Wear Masks In Crowded Places

Wearing a mask all day long may not be possible or even wise, depending on your workplace and personal situation, but wearing masks in very crowded public places, like public transport or elevators, can be an effective form of personal protection. Not only do masks help you, but they also help others too, and there are various models of mask you can buy nowadays for comfort and security.

Your employer might be providing masks as part of their own strategy for worker protection, and a lot of public transport networks have adopted mask-wearing rules too, so it’s definitely wise to have your own supply of masks on hand for the coming months to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Follow Your Instincts

As well as following official guidelines and recommendations, you should also listen to your instincts to behave sensibly as the pandemic continues. If you see too many people getting into an elevator for example and worry about your safety, take the stairs instead, or if you notice that the break room is a little busy, maybe you might want to avoid it for the time being.

Similarly, if you feel like your employer isn’t doing enough to keep you safe at work, don’t be afraid to voice concerns or take action by buying your own protective equipment, and if you feel that colleagues aren’t respecting social distancing or might be putting you at risk, politely ask them to keep their distance. More about working safely in the office: https://www.staples.co.uk/knowledge-centre/plan-c/the-new-normal-for-offices-after-covid-19.html

Conclusion

With COVID-19, the world is facing an unprecedented crisis. We’ve never seen or had to deal with anything quite like this before, and getting back to work after such a long time at home might seem pretty scary to start off. However, if you follow these tips and stay sensible, you’ll be able to get back into the habit of working with minimal risk to your health and safety.

About Business Woman Media

Our women don’t want to settle for anything but the best. They understand that success is a journey involving personal growth, savvy optimism and the tenacity to be the best. We believe in pragmatism, having fun, hard-work and sharing inspiration. LinkedIn

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