Preparing for Workplace Re-Entry During COVID-19

BY CLAUDIA ST. JOHN, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

As state, local and municipal governments take steps to reopen businesses across the country, employers must take a fresh look at their physical workspace, their workplace practices and their communication and training of employees in order to prohibit the spread of the coronavirus and to protect their employees and clients.

This is a checklist for employers to consider when planning to reopen, or for those businesses that have remained open under an “essential business” classification. This checklist serves to provide some ideas, resources and reminders on how to improve the level of safety and protection in your workplace.

A few things to highlight:
• If employees can work from home, allow them to continue to telecommute as social distancing and safe hygiene are still the only way to prohibit the spread of the disease.
• Social distancing, use of PPE, proper disinfecting and proper training are the keys to maintaining a safe workplace.
• Experts’ understanding of COVID-19 is quickly evolving — from the symptoms of COVID-19 and the CDC’s recommendations to government orders on social distancing, PPE use and workplace closures. Employers should identify all of the resources necessary on the federal (DOL, CDC, EPA, OSHA, EEOC), state, municipal and local levels (health departments, law enforcement, executive offices) in order to keep track of the virus’ impact and their obligations as employers in maintaining safe workplaces within their communities.

Coronavirus Workplace Preparation Checklist