We thought for a while about how to order the title of this post. Do we say advice for employers and then workers, because the former have responsibility for a safe work environment? Then we realize each of us is in charge of our own future. A longer title might read general guidance for responsible workers and employers who value their people highly.
The Work Being Performed Sets the General Background
Some tasks are more risk-intense than others. The employer has a duty to mitigate this risk through work place and procedure design. However, the workers have responsibility to protect themselves from the residual danger. In the ultimate analysis this depends on whether to continue with their work role
That’s why we respect our health care workers so highly for their decision to remain at their posts. However, they still have a duty to follow the generally accepted guidance for workers and employers we share here. We want them to come through the pandemic regardless of the self-sacrificing risks they take.
Our General Guidance for Workers and Employers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s advice we append at the end of this post seems plain sailing by comparison. However, self-infection is probably the greatest risk we face. We must wash our hands thoroughly and often, especially if they are mucky or stained.
Our fingers can pick up contamination simply by brushing it. We know how difficult it is to break habits, but we must keep trying. We must also avoid spreading the virus by coughing or sneezing openly, or not keeping to distance rules. That’s because only we can break the chain by severing the links between us.
Our general guidance for workers and employers is therefore much the same as when living with family at home. We have to adapt our habits by doing things according to the circumstances. We have to wear face coverings to sever the highways along which the coronavirus travels between us.
Related
Re-Classifying Work Place Risks on Opening
Workplace Standards under COVID-19
Preview Image: Good Hand Hygiene Practice
