The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's hierarchy of controls is traditionally used to prevent risks, including disease spread, in the workplace. (Courtesy CDC/NIOSH)
Gov. Eric Holcomb says that he’ll detail the future of the “Stay-At-Home” order Friday and may give safety guidelines to allow some businesses to reopen. But workplaces will likely need to operate differently to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
In a webinar hosted by the Indiana Chamber, employers were advised to take steps like providing handwashing stations, conducting daily temperature checks, and limiting access to communal areas.
David Krause is chairman of the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Indoor Environmental Quality Committee. He says the most effective measure would be to let employees work from home if possible, with masks and gloves being the least effective.
He also stresses that meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health guidelines should be the minimum companies should strive for.
“That should not be something you aspire to, that should be the floor,” he says. “And in many instances, it will not be enough to protect your staff and to protect your customers.”
Krause also warns that in buildings or downtown areas that have been vacant for weeks, water supplies should be flushed to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease.
Contact Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.
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This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.
