10 quick tips to plan your return to work

Once the mandatory paid leave has ended, on Monday, April 13, activities not considered as essential activities restart (such as construction and the industrial sector) that the government decided to hibernate after the   RDL 10/2020 of March 29 , which regulates a recoverable paid leave for employed persons who do not provide essential services, in order to reduce the mobility of the population in the context of the fight against COVID-19 .

And thus return, to the initial scenario that brought with it the declaration of the State of Alarm of RD 463/2020 , with teleworking whenever possible, maintaining closed shops and leisure establishments where people congregate, such as bars and restaurants.

Returning to work cannot be a step back in the fight against the pandemic. It is a time in which everyone's responsibility is more vital than ever. It is essential to minimize as much as possible the risk of contagion of COVID-19 in workplaces and on public roads leading to them.

This content is intended to accompany companies that resume their activity to guarantee a safe return to work, fundamentally in those that do not have a Prevention Service, since these services and the rest of the companies' preventive modalities will determine the necessary measures to work in safe conditions.

Consult here the Guidelines to prevent the risk of occupational exposure   to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus by activities/sectors.

10 BRIEF TIPS

Some basic guidelines following the good practices document in the work centers of the Ministry of Health.

1. FIRST RULE: the resumption of activity must always be guided by the r minimization principle risk . Organize the entrance in a staggered manner, with those activities that involve a risk of crowding best last and trying to maintain the recommended safety distance.

2. TELEWORK: we are witnessing an extremely sensitive stage, where teleworking and the use of videoconferencing should prevail whenever feasible.  Tips and recommendations .

3. BEFORE GOING TO WORK: whether you are a worker, entrepreneur or self-employed “ evaluate yourself ” and if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing or others typical of COVID-19, contact the helpline of your autonomous community or primary care center to follow their instructions.  Consult the decalogue in case of COVID-19 infection .

4. COMMUTING TO WORK : critical moment, we must think about mobility by promoting individual transport in front of the public whenever possible, if not, you must keep your distance security of 2 meters, avoiding crowds and approaches.

5. SAFETY DISTANCES IN THE WORK CENTER: 2 meters must be guaranteed at entrances, exits, during activity in common areas (changing rooms, elevators, dining rooms, bathrooms...) and in the workplaces themselves, minimizing contacts and equipment rotations. Reduce visits from suppliers and third parties. You must have maximum control in the Coordination of Business Activities.

6. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: will be appropriate to the activities and work to be carried out, the company will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when the risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently limited by technical means of collective protection or through work organization measures or procedures. We must pay attention to the recommendations of the health authorities regarding the use of masks, gloves, etc.

7. HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS: frequent personal disinfection guaranteed with soap and water and/or hydroalcoholic gels, disposable paper for drying.

Also in the workplace, extreme cleaning of spaces and surfaces should be carried out, especially those that are frequently touched (door handles, elevator buttons, etc.) and try to ventilate daily.

8. ORGANIZATIONAL MEASURES: inform, communicate and raise awareness at all times of the COVID-19 health and preventive recommendations. Making a contingency plan is highly advisable, and a protocol must be established in the event that a worker manifests symptoms in their workplace.

9. WASTE MANAGEMENT: waste personal hygiene materials (masks, gloves, disposable tissues...) must be deposited in the waste container. organic. In the event that the worker presents symptoms, use a double zippered garbage bag.

10. RETURN HOME: follow the same recommendations and suggestions when returning to your loved ones, especially if you live with people from risk groups.