Workplace design can be adapted to accommodate essential workers during a pandemic by implementing the following strategies:
1. Maintain physical distancing: The workplace should be reconfigured to ensure physical distancing between workers. Desks and workstations should be arranged at least six feet apart, and barriers or dividers may be installed in areas where physical separation is challenging.
2. Protective barriers and PPE: Install protective barriers, such as plexiglass screens or curtains, where employees have regular interactions. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, hand gloves, face shields, and gowns can be issued to essential workers, in addition to other hygiene measures.
3. Sanitization measures: Regular cleaning of work surfaces, common areas and equipment should be instituted. Cleaning and disinfecting should be increased and scheduled throughout the day. Hand sanitizing stations should be installed at all entrances and critical access points.
4. Access control: The employer should limit access to essential workers only. Non-essential personnel should not be allowed on-site to reduce the risk of exposure. Also, shifting the time or workdays for essential colleagues can reduce the numbers of interactions.
5. Temperature screenings and monitoring: Workplaces should implement temperature screenings for essential workers accessible remotely. Also, monitoring of symptoms and self-screening can be introduced to ensure that anyone with any symptoms, stays at home and only returns to work once cleared by a medical professional.
6. Flexibility in working hours: Flexible working hours should be provided where appropriate to help essential workers cope with their duties well.
7. Provide emotional and mental support: Essential workers face challenging demands like increased workload, difficulty in reconciling work-life balance, and fear of falling sick, emphasis on emotional and mental support is important. Employers should provide appropriate assistance, and counseling to help workers deal with stress or anxiety.
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