Measures to Manage COVID-19 In the Workplace

As the world adapts and changes amidst the coronavirus pandemic, new measures are being tried and tested to manage COVID-19 in the workplace. In this blog, we will be focusing on a range of devices and tools that can help you reduce touchpoints, enforce social distancing and protect staff in the workplace, to prevent the spread of the virus.

Reducing Touchpoints

Opening a door is like shaking hands with 1000 people at the same time, thereby increasing the risk and possibility of infection transfer and spread 1000+ fold! Luckily, a range of devices have been created to lower the chance of infection.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Bacterial Door Handles

Firstly, there are anti-virus and anti-bacterial door handles on the market that immediately to start to remove organisms on contact and continues to suppress microbial growth, helping to combat the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Pros:

• Does not greatly change the appearance of the host product.
• Easy to install, meaning you could save money by installing in-house.
• Long-lasting as it does not tarnish and is wear-free if not cleaned with hard products or abrasives.

Cons:

• Does not totally eliminate the touch-point, meaning it could still be a point of spreading, particularly in a high traffic area of the building

Touch-Free Sensors

To prevent contact with handles altogether, touch-free sensors are a popular and well-tried choice.

Pros:

• Totally eliminates the touch-point, therefore reducing the chance of spreading the virus.

Cons:

• Requires specialist installation which could prove an extra expense.
• Reliant on power, therefore it could be made redundant in a power-cut or similar situation.

Footal Foot Handle

This is an easy to install unit that fits to a door so you can easily open it with your foot.

Pros:

• Easy to install yourself, meaning you could save money by installing in-house.
• Prevents the touching of handles with your hands, therefore reducing the chance of spreading the virus.

Cons:

• Leaves a remaining possible touch-point as people could still go for the door handle out of habit.
• Not very accessible for people in wheelchairs or people with disabilities.
• Could be potentially tricky to manoeuvre in narrow corridors.

Forearm Shield

This device aids pulling doors open with your forearm instead of with your hands.

Pros:

• Can be installed yourself, meaning you could save money by installing in-house.
• Prevents the touching of handles with your hands, therefore reducing the chance of spreading the virus.

Cons

• May still need to be cleaned and disinfected, which can take extra time and resources.
• Leaves a remaining possible touch-point as people could still go for the door handle with their hands out of habit.

KROK™ Door Opener

Lastly, KROK Door Opener is an ID card holder with an in-built door opening devices that eliminates the need to touch door handles, keypads, lift buttons and much more.

Pros:

• Easy to use and no installation necessary, meaning you could save money by installing in house.
• Cost-effective option for a small team.

Cons:

• Could prove expensive for a large team.
• Leaves a remaining possible touch-point as people could still go for the door handle with their hands out of habit.

Every company works differently so make sure to go for the solution that works best for you!

The company we would recommend to supply these products is Doorfit who can provide expert advice on access control products.

Complying With Social Distancing

With social distancing in the workplace being a crucial factor in preventing the spread of coronavirus, it is important to ensure it is complied with. Technology has already been developed to help with this including a device called SPACEbands.

SPACEbands are a wearable alert system to aid social distancing and contact tracing in various settings. They are wristbands that light up, vibrate and beep when a person gets too close to another person also wearing a SPACEband. The free app allows users to group certain bands together in bubbles, keep a log of contact tracing, and adjust the alert distances so that they are always up to date with government guidance.

We recommend these as a cost-effective option that could help your workplace remain open even if outbreaks or local lockdowns occur as they prove measures are in place for social distancing.

Protection For Staff

There is a wide range of PPE available for staff including 3 PLY surgical masks, FFP2 masks and face visors. Other additional PPE that can be beneficial for the workplace are:

• Hand sanitiser (which should be BS EN 1276 certified)
• Digital thermometers
• Nitrile Gloves

A supplier we recommend for this is Kempston Controls which have a good range of options at affordable prices.

Contact Tracing

Whilst we all know that the NHS Track and Trace system is the main way of contact tracing, did you know your phone can have an in-built scheme that can tell you if you have been exposed to COVID-19?

Containing A Potential COVID-19 Outbreak in the Workplace