When infected people cough, sneeze, or speak, diseases such as mumps, chicken pox, or the flu spread through the air.
What are the consequences for workers and others?
Workers and others can become infected in a variety of ways, including:
Infections are transmitted through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or speak. The spread of the virus can be accelerated by using air conditioning.
Infections transferred by direct or indirect contact with bacteria or viruses are known as “contact infections.” Physical touch with an infected person or contact with blood and body fluids are examples of direct contact.
Indirect contact infections occur when a person comes into contact with an infected object or surface.
What you are able to do
To begin with, you must always eliminate risk where you are reasonably capable. Where you are not reasonably capable, you must examine what you can do to reduce the risk. Here are some examples:
Make sure employees wash their hands frequently.
Spills should be cleaned and disinfected.
Cough etiquette should be practiced and others should be encouraged to do the same.
Masks and gloves, as well as other personal protective equipment, should be given.
Effectively dispose of tissues and other waste.
Encourage employees who are ill to stay at home.
Workers should be immunized.
You must choose the most effective controls that are commensurate with the risk and applicable to your work context.
Get your employees involved
Offer sure your employees understand how to make comments, ask questions, and express concerns.
Always get feedback from your employees when it comes to identifying health and safety concerns and determining how to eliminate or reduce them. When people are active in the conversation, they are more likely to accept responsibility and make excellent judgments. Your employees (including contractors and temps) are your company’s eyes and ears. They can assist in identifying problems and recommending sensible, cost-effective remedies.
Always educate your employees on the major hazards and how to be healthy and safe.