Social Distancing At Workplace : What Must Be Done…

Social distancing is a matter of workplace safety and public health.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) describes social distancing as a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming in close contact with healthy people in order to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. This can include large-scale measures like cancelling group events or closing public spaces, as well as individual decisions such as avoiding crowds. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the goal of social distancing right now is to slow down the outbreak in order to reduce the chance of infection among high-risk populations and to reduce the burden on health care systems and workers. Experts describe this as "flattening the curve," which generally refers to the potential success of social distancing measures to prevent surges in illness that could overwhelm health care systems. Therefore, workplaces more than ever before need to take measures to adapt to “social distancing” as employees and employers carryout their duties.

Keep Distance

The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that while the virus may be able to live on surfaces, the evidence is clear: if people stay six feet away from each other, as much as possible, there are far less likely to get infected. The big problem is, anybody could be sick but not know it yet. That is why everybody should practice social distancing even if they do not feel unwell. As such, whenever possible, employees should stay at least one metres away from each other. Workers need to rearrange their desks to create space between each other. Avoid shared rides in the elevator. The fewer people have to face-to-face social interaction, the better. Therefore, employees and employers should look at other measures by minimising face-to-face meetings or gatherings and using other ways of communicating such as through the telephone or video conference.

No Physical Greetings

Though this may seem obvious, it can be tough to get rid of old habits: no hugs, handshakes or kisses on the cheek. It is time to say hello or better stick to a wave. Leaving out traditional greetings like a firm handshake in business is a small part of what is called social distancing, a term that covers what people do to maintain some space between themselves and others. It’s a way to cut down risk of spreading the new-to-humans virus that causes the Covid-19 respiratory illness. It is not just beneficial to one’s health but families, colleagues’ and the rest of the world.

Identify Danger Zones

Employers need to think about the places where people are often close together, like a cafeteria or reception area. Either close these off (employees are recommended to have lunch at their own desks) or limit the number of people allowed in the cafeteria at the same time.