During the month of June, the US recognizes National Safety Month by calling attention to workplace safety. In addition to our emphasis on 5S training and activities this month, we join the National Safety Council for the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month by providing content on weekly topics that are recognized by companies across the U.S.
Week 2 – Addressing Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an increased focus on health to global workplaces. In addition to following the recommendations from CDC, OSHA and other government health authorities, employers are turning to technology and creativity to promote safety in our new normal workspaces.
Universal best practices – familiar to most– include wearing a face covering or respirator, frequent handwashing, and maintaining six feet of distance from others, when possible. Across the manufacturing industry, COVID-19 modifications have been adopted to increase workplace protection from illnesses. Modification such as alterations to facility layouts, flow of production, reduction in meeting sizes, increased dependency on communication boards and talking points, adjustments to office and breakroom seating arrangements are probable to continue for the foreseeable future.
As a result of COVID-19, employers have embraced new technologies and innovation that prior to the pandemic were not readily available and easy to implement. The adoption of technology at the forefront of the pandemic allowed productivity to continue safely as employees shifted to new working conditions and working environments.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has passed the one-year mark, employers are still discovering ways to implement and adapt to long-term change to make the workplace safe from COVID-19 and other health concerns.
