December 29, 2020

COVID-19 has presented many workplaces with challenges—especially those in which employees are not able to work from home. Warehouses are one such place that must stick to recommended protocols to help workers stay safe.  

As the second wave of COVID-19 is cropping up during cold and flu season, warehouses should continue the safety precautions they’ve had in place all along, while paying close attention to alerts and notices from state and local authorities.  

As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created guidelines specifically for warehouse employers outlining all safety protocols you should follow. This is a helpful resource to check you have all precautions in place.  

Continue to require personal protective equipment, sanitation and social distancing 

This is still one of the best ways to help contain the spread of germs between workers. PPE includes a facial covering or screen. Frequently touched surfaces and areas should be regularly sanitized, and employees should avoid touching their face with unwashed hands. Make sanitizer available to all workers. Distance, screens and minimized workers on site are all ways to enforce social distancing.  

Conduct daily in-person health screenings 

Each day when an employee arrives for his or her shift, conduct a screening that might include taking an employee’s temperature or assessing their potential symptoms. Self-assessments are also an option. If an employee shows symptoms or reports themselves sick, separate them from other workers and arrange for their transport home to isolate and seek care.  

Allow flexible sick leave 

Your leave policy should mandate that sick employees stay home without fear of consequences. If your employee contracted an illness, it’s important to have a plan in place with the staffing agency if an employee is ill and cannot work.  

Provide flu shots 

There isn’t yet a vaccine for COVID-19, but flu shots are the number one way to keep employees safe from the flu. Free on-site flu shot clinics make it easier for employees to get their shot, and thus allow you to help your workers stay healthy this cold and flu season.  

Work with your staffing agency for temporary replacements 

Should an employee require sick leave, you can work with your recruiter to find and place a temporary worker to keep processes moving smoothly.  

If you’re in search of a staffing agency for light industrial and warehouse staff, contact Inter-Connect. We’ll work with you to understand your staffing needs and find qualified workers who fit.  

 

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