COVID-19 Preparedness Tips: Does your facility pass the test?

Texas is no stranger to market volatility, especially when it comes to oil prices. But today we face an additional threat, one that not only impacts the stock market, but also our health. As both the state and nation grapple with school closures, shuttered businesses and gathering restrictions, it has become apparent that how we work through the COVID-19 pandemic will indicate how quickly we can return to business as usual.

For those businesses deemed essential to infrastructure, there’s an added layer of concern and that is how to best protect their customers and staff. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, together with the U.S. Department of Labor has offered some guidance to help.

Identifying the Symptoms of COVID-19

Infections from coronavirus can be mild to severe. And symptoms aren’t always apparent, making early detection challenging. Look for symptoms that include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Understanding How COVID-19 Spreads

There’s still a lot to learn about the new coronavirus, but the research we have today shows that the virus is spread mainly person to person. Because it’s thought that respiratory droplets are considered a major transmission method, it is recommended that workers remain at least 6 feet away from one another and not share any tools, equipment or other materials that could have SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on the surface.

Take these 6 Steps to Minimize Coronavirus Exposure Risk in Your Facility

1. Develop an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan
   Stay up to date on recommendations from federal, state and local health agencies. Consider what, how and to what sources of COVID-19 exposure that employees, customers and the general public may have. Consider individual health risks to your workers. Then, develop a plan on how to mitigate those risks through social distancing, alternative work schedules and remote work options. Be sure to consider any supply chain disruptions that could impact your operations.
   
   
2. Prepare to Implement Basic Infection Prevention Measures
   Basic measures should include frequent and thorough hand washing. Make sure employees have access to warm water with soap as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Encourage sick workers to stay home. Practice proper respiratory etiquette like covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Then, washing hands immediately. Maintain regular housekeeping practices like cleaning and be sure to disinfect surfaces often.
   
   
3. Develop Policies and Procedures for Prompt Identification and Isolation of Sick People
   Plan how you will identify and isolate potentially sick workers and train workers on how they can identify their own symptoms. Provide face masks to limit the spread of coronavirus and educate staff on the proper use and disposal of any personal protective equipment (PPE).
   
   
4. Develop, Implement and Communicate about Workplace Flexibilities and Protections
   Clearly communicate policies regarding employee and family-related sick leave. Be flexible about employees’ needs, especially regarding staying home to care for a sick child or family member.
   
   
5. Implement Work Controls
   It may not be possible to eliminate the risk of COVID-19 exposure in your facility, but you can take steps to mitigate those risks. Use controls such as high-efficiency air filters. Install physical barriers such as sneeze guards and utilize drive-through or curbside service options. Limit the physical contact shared by employees and customers. Alternate shifts or allow employees to work from home when appropriate. Discontinue any nonessential travel and train workers on how to improve protective behaviors, use their PPE and how to spot risk factors.
   
   
6. Follow Existing OSHA Standards
   Remember to follow OSHA standards for safe work practices regarding the occupational hazards your employees face every day. Some of these requirements may also prevent occupational exposure to COVID-19. Personal protective equipment like eye and face protection, respiratory protection and hand protection may help control some sources of the virus.

For the full recommendations, please readGuidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.

To learn what precautions we are taking at this time, read We’re Open: COVID 19 Update.

M&M Sales & Equipment remains fully operational at this time, but due to the precautionary measures we are taking to protect you and our employees, service may be slightly slower than usual.

Please contact the M&M Sales team with any questions.