As we move from sheltering at home to restarting work, fresh new challenges arise. This is because our social bubble expands to include our workmates, and then there’s the nature of our tasks too. We shall be sharing thoughts from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Our first topic is re-classifying work place risks on opening.
Four Levels for Re-Classifying Work Place Risks on Opening
The U.S. Department of Labor advice does not replace existing work safety measures. Rather, it adds a layer where customers and colleagues become a heightened risk. Workers with minimal contact have the LOWEST EXPOSURE RISK according to the OSHA.
These include remote employees, office workers, people in industrial settings, teleworkers, and long distance truck drivers.
MEDIUM RISK EXPOSURE employees on the other hand have close / frequent contact with people who may have the COVID-19 infection. Their colleagues and customers may have the virus but are moving freely in society.
For purposes of re-classifying work place risks on opening they include two categories. These are people who travel frequently, and those in high-density population settings.
Specialist High and Very High Exposure Risk Levels
The following may seem irrelevant at first sight, when re-classifying work place risks on opening for general business. However, it’s important to remember workers may become HIGH RISK because of social contacts working in health care.
Here, the OSHA thinks of hospital staff working in patients’ rooms, medical transport workers, and people at mortuaries. They are a sobering thought to us, especially if we still shelter peacefully at home.
The workers at VERY HIGH EXPOSURE RISK (and their social contacts) are in the front line of the struggle to confront the virus. We salute them everywhere they go in hospitals, medical laboratories, and autopsy rooms. We should remember them when we rise each morning, and thank them gratefully every night.
Related
Reopening the Office for Work after Lock Down
Airborne Transmission in Enclosed Settings
Preview Image: Counter Prepared for Re-Opening
