In our mini-series; DESIGN TIPS FOR A SAFE WORK PLACE we delve in to the problems employers are likely to face as office workers return to work. We kick-off this mini-series offering 3 practical tips for office workers to stay safe in the current environment.
In Singapore, the pandemic will influence office occupation trends as staff are told by the authorities to continue working from home. Although many yearn for our air-conditioned glass towers, others question whether we will ever want them back! While the debate heats up, we offer some practical advise on measures your appointed Safe Management Officer can take to provide a safer work environment for staff. We start with the very practical idea, that responsibility for safety resides with the individual.
Disclaimer – This weekend, Singapore’s national press published Be Ready, Stay Safe. 7 KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE MANAGEMENT AT WORKPLACES, (https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg). We think it’s really important to follow the government’s COVID GoBusiness guidelines which can prevent infection rates from rising quickly and keep us safe. Judging by the rapid spread of infection across communities at risk, it seems the virus is still out there.
We have every reason to stay positive when we continue to do the right thing, behave appropriately by putting our colleagues and love ones first.
The government has taken a low risk approach with only those in essential services and offering less risk of spreading infection returning first. As mentioned in our introduction, the second recommendation from COVID GoBusiness regards employees working from home. ‘Those that can work from home must continue to do so.’ Given the guidelines, there are two challenges for employers; the change in legislative landscape and then, how do we encourage staff to return to work when they still have concerns?
How to you feel safer and help your employer
For those gingerly returning to work next week, here are 3 practical stay say tips for you.
Tip 1
Take your temperature twice a day, once before you leave home, and a second time before you leave the work place. Don’t rely on other to do this for you. Become aware of your normal temperature range and watch out for anomalies.
Why?
An elevated temperature means you are unwell. Common sense tells us to self-isolate until we have recovered. If you have an elevated temperature in the morning, stay at home. If you have an elevated temperature in the evening, go home directly and isolate yourself from family. Seek medical advise from a doctor if symptoms persist longer than 24 hours or your condition worsens .
What does this mean for us?
This means carrying your thermometer with you at all times.
Tip 2
Wear a mask whenever we are outside of our safe zone; our safe zone being our home, possibly our work desk.
Why?
We are moderating our behaviour to keep people in these two places safe.
What does this mean for us?
We need to carry masks, not just one, but 3 or 4. After all, we never know when we might meet someone who urgently needs a replacement mask. This also means we care about our loved ones and our colleagues and we want to keep them safe.
Tip 3
Socialise only with the people who believe as you do, in keeping their home and the workplace safe.
Why?
If everyone respected one another’s space and belongings, demonstrated excellence in personal hygiene and cared as much about their loved ones and work colleagues as you do, we will have a loss less to fear.
What does this mean for us?
This may mean you’ll be arrested given the current directions from the government! The third recommendation from COVID GoBusiness states; “avoid socialising with colleagues within or outside the workplace!”
I’m sure we value our relationships with others, people will value us more.
A bright blemish free pantry is always going to help you build confidence in office cleanliness. In our next article, we reveal some of materials and details we use in healthcare to keep surfaces clean, germ free and looking great for years.
