Maintaining a safe workplace is always important, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. All occupations have safety risks, and employees should always have proper protection to help reduce work-related injuries and illnesses. Your employees should continuously feel comfortable going to work and should not have to worry about the lack of safety precautions. Employers are responsible for keeping the workplace safe and providing employees with everything they need to do their work without harming themselves or others.
What Are the Benefits of a Safe Work Environment?
There are many benefits to keeping your workplace safe. A safe workplace encourages your employees to show up to work each day and continue working for the company. Here are some reasons why a safe work environment is important:
- Reduces stress: When employees have the right safety equipment, they feel more confident in their work and are able to get the job done in an efficient manner. Proper safety equipment reduces stress and helps workers handle situations properly and safely.
- Makes employees more aware: When safety equipment is supplied to employees, they become more aware of the possible dangers they could face at work. Workplace accidents can still occur, but a safe workplace will limit the amount of injuries or deaths that could happen.
- Full access to personal protective equipment: There are many different forms of personal protective equipment (PPE), including goggles, face masks, and full body coverings. These types of PPE will help keep everyone safe and ensure that your business is being run with safety in mind.
How is COVID-19 Affecting Workplace Safety?
The coronavirus pandemic has created many new challenges for companies and workers. If you company has been closed due to COVID-19, there are new guidelines that must be followed for a safe return to work:
- Your facility must be fully cleaned and disinfected before you re-open: Also, there should be a plan set for how to maintain safe working conditions after employees are back in the workplace. Promote frequent hand washing and encourage your employees to practice good hygiene.
- Ensure that your employees understand the new safety precautions: It is important to give employees opportunities to express any concerns they may have. Adjusting to going back to work during this pandemic can be challenging and it may be helpful to set up a support system for any employee that is having a hard time getting back into the flow of things.
- All businesses should have a plan that protects both employees and customers. To reduce exposure to the virus, masks should be worn and social distancing guidelines should be followed. Employees should also be following the ongoing safety precautions, including hand washing, staying home when sick, covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and maintaining healthy habits.
Always encourage your employees to come forward if they have been in contact with COVID-19 so that the company can quickly develop a plan for isolation and recovery. Anything that can be done to protect employees from contacting the virus is important in stopping the spread and keeping your workplace safe. If you contracted an illness at work or you have a work-related injury, it is important to contact a lawyer who will help you with a workers’ compensation claim.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Advocate on the Behalf of Injured or Sickened Workers
If you have been injured at work or have contracted COVID-19 while on the job, contact one of our professional Downingtown workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC for help with your case. We will work with you to devise a plan that helps you recover damages and full compensation. Call us at 610-594-1600 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.