Reopening Your Business Safety Guide
Product sourcing has been one of KSM Promotions’ core strengths for over 20 years. From the onset of this pandemic, we’ve been using all of our sourcing ability and experience to locate and provide approved essential supplies for those on the front lines and for essential businesses.
As restrictions have been easing off in Chicagoland and around the country, businesses and organizations are beginning to open but are required to ensure the health and safety of employees, customers, and visitors. We at KSM Promotions continue helping clients in meeting the CDC guidelines so they can provide a safe environment as they reopen. Our preferred supplier partners have shifted their production to new product offerings that satisfy the new needs.
Our trusted and long-standing promotional products factory partners have pivoted their production capacity to create new products to help in supplying what’s needed in creating safe environments.
We anticipate changes in the restrictions and guidelines will continue to happen as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and you can count on us to work closely with you to accommodate your evolving requirements.
Implementing a Business COVID 19 Safety Program
There is a lot to consider in terms of safety in these COVID times. We’ve put this guide together to help you put your own safety program in place and also determine the products you’ll need for each aspect of compliance. Not only the products but also help you effectively communicate and promote these new standards and help your employees create new habits.
If you are a part of a larger organization, you’ll probably have your own COVID prevention guidelines coming directly from top management. However, if you are a smaller business you’ll have to put your own protocols in place based on health guidelines established by the CDC and the local government.
From sanitizers to personal protective equipment (PPE) products, to signage outlining you’ll need to acquire supplies you have never needed before and probably never thought you would ever need.
1. Social Distancing Guidelines.
The social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC will remain in place until further notice, requiring at least six feet of space between individuals whenever possible. This may mean installing physical barriers, such as acrylic dividers, between workstations and in front of customer service desks. You might also consider changing the layout of your offices, spacing out seating in waiting areas, and staggering break times to avoid gatherings in break rooms.
Freestanding posters, chair covers, and floor signage strategically placed can be very effective in helping build and reinforce the new social distancing habits, while your space looks nice, inviting, and professional.
You may want to set up an outdoor kiosk for customer service attention, pickups, etc, so they don’t have to come inside your premises and have contact with more of your personnel and other customers.
2. Employee Wellness Plan
Many businesses are having their staff work remotely, at least partially. Regardless of what your case might be, you’ll need to implement a basic wellness program that will include personal protective equipment such as face coverings, temperature checks, and daily checks and symptoms surveys.
Face Masks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does require certain industries to use standardized PPE like N95 masks, and you must check with your local authorities’ requirements. There are different types of masks available, but generally speaking, you may wish to provide reusable branded cloth face coverings, disposable masks, and/or gloves for your employees to wear at the workplace.
Thermometers
Having digital thermometers at your workplace will allow for a quick temperature check at a given moment. It is recommended that you designate one specific team member to be in charge of the symptoms surveys and temperature checks.
Hand Sanitizer Station
You will also want to equip your workspace with hand sanitizer dispensers strategically placed, to help employees and the public keep their hands sanitized.
Intensify cleaning and sanitation.
Keeping floors and surfaces disinfected throughout your workspace is a top priority. Depending on your business, you will need to have more thorough and frequent cleanings.
Here is a resource that you might find useful:
3. Communication Plan of Safety Protocols
Once you have your health and safety protocols in place for your reopening, you’ll need a clear communication strategy to ensure your staff and customers know the new procedures and also understand their own role in the implementation of these new practices.
Besides informing employees of the new procedures, you’ll want to have quick daily “huddle” meetings to go over the new safety practices and address any issues to help everyone in creating the new habits. These meetings will also help communicate changes as the pandemic situation evolves. You will get more cooperation from your team if you keep open communication.
You will also need visuals to help communicate and reinforce your health prevention practices message. Strategically placed posters and banners, door hangers, and seat covers among other marketing aids, will effectively remind employees and the public your COVID prevention measures.
4. Employee Incentives
The pandemic is taking a toll on many people, and your employees might be dealing with stressful situations at home.
Putting together care packages for your employees will help you send a message that they are valued. Whether they work from home or will have to come to the office, you can hand out packages containing safety products such as face masks and hand sanitizer bottles, to utilitarian products for them to use at their desks
Let’s work together!
We at KSM Promotions have the experience to help you in the selection of the PPE supplies, signage, and more, so you can successfully prepare and implement your safety protocols and keep your employees engaged and cooperative.